Altruism - Revision history

Fractalguy: /* Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal */

2025-01-15T14:10:41Z

Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:10, 15 January 2025
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	== Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal ==		== Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal ==
	The counterintuitive relationship between human [[happiness]], selfishness, and altruism is a perfect example of the [[fractal]] nature of [[truth]], where two sides of a dichotomy form a [[Meta\|mobius]]-like [[feedback loop]] that defies Euclidean categorization. This relationship is also depicted by the [[wikipedia:Yin_and_yang\|Yin and Yang]], though the [[fractal]] does a better job of conveying the idea that the closer you look at the dichotomy, the more detail it reveals, and a [[Godel\|clean delineation can never truly be found]].		The counterintuitive relationship between human [[happiness]], selfishness, and altruism is a perfect example of the [[fractal]] nature of [[truth]], where two sides of a dichotomy form a [[Meta\|mobius]]-like [[feedback loop]] that defies Euclidean categorization. This relationship is also depicted by the [[wikipedia:Yin_and_yang\|Yin and Yang]], though the [[fractal]] does a better job of conveying the idea that the closer you look at the dichotomy, the more detail it reveals, and a [[Godel\|clean delineation can never truly be found]]. See [[Meta]].

	* We are naturally [[selfish]] due to our survival instinct.		* We are naturally [[selfish]] due to our survival instinct.

Fractalguy: /* Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal */

2025-01-15T14:09:04Z

Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 15 January 2025
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	* We are naturally [[selfish]] due to our survival instinct.		* We are naturally [[selfish]] due to our survival instinct.
	* We are naturally altruistic due to our social [[evolution]].		* We are naturally altruistic due to our social [[evolution]].
	* [[Capitalism]] harnesses selfishness to create more [[wealth]] than we could ever create without the incentives it provides.		* [[Capitalism]] harnesses selfishness to create more [[wealth]] than we could ever create without the [[incentives]] it provides.
	* But [[money]] is not what we are truly selfish for, it is a proxy for [[happiness]].		* But [[money]] is not what we are truly selfish for, it is a proxy for [[happiness]].
	* So if we are truly selfish, we must acknowledge that [[happiness]] comes from making others [[happy]].		* So if we are truly selfish, we must acknowledge that [[happiness]] comes from making others [[happy]].

Fractalguy at 11:31, 15 January 2025

2025-01-15T11:31:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:31, 15 January 2025
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	[[wikipedia:Evolutionary_psychology\|Evolutionary psychology]] has demonstrated the enormous survival value of altruism.		[[wikipedia:Evolutionary_psychology\|Evolutionary psychology]] has demonstrated the enormous survival value of altruism.

	Study after study shows that our [[brains]] are wired to be [[happy]] when we are helping.<blockquote>''“You think because I’m kind that it means I’m naïve, and maybe I am. It’s strategic and necessary. This is how I fight.”'' -[https://christandpopculture.com/this-is-how-i-fight-learning-kindness-in-everything-everywhere-all-at-once/ Waymond Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once]</blockquote>See [[wikipedia:Altruism\|Altruism]]		Study after study shows that our [[brains]] are wired to be [[happy]] when we are helping.<blockquote>''“You think because I’m kind that it means I’m naïve, and maybe I am. It’s strategic and necessary. This is how I fight.”'' -[https://christandpopculture.com/this-is-how-i-fight-learning-kindness-in-everything-everywhere-all-at-once/ Waymond Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once]</blockquote>[[wikipedia:Empathy\|Empathy]] is the [[emergent]] [[emotion]] of our [[wikipedia:Mirror_neuron\|mirror neurons]], and the source of altruism. When we feel what others feel, it [[incentivizes]] us to do things that make them feel better. All of the [[complexity]] of [[ethics]] and [[society]] comes from the [[generating equation]] of those simple [[neurons]] designed to mimic the [[patterns]] of others.

			See [[wikipedia:Altruism\|Altruism]] and [[wikipedia:Empathy\|Empathy]]

	== Is Greed Good? ==		== Is Greed Good? ==

Fractalguy: /* Is Greed Good? */

2025-01-10T19:03:30Z

Is Greed Good?

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:03, 10 January 2025
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	Advocates for [[capitalism]], particularly [[Libertarians]] and [[wikipedia:Objectivism\|Objectivists]], tend to advocate the [[wikipedia:Gordon_Gekko\|Gordon Gekko]] motto that "''Greed is Good''". And when it comes to profit maximization, this is largely true. [[Capitalism]] harnesses the human tendency to desire [[wealth]] to create new [[technologies]] and improve the [[quality of life]] dramatically for billions of people. That's very good, isn't it?		Advocates for [[capitalism]], particularly [[Libertarians]] and [[wikipedia:Objectivism\|Objectivists]], tend to advocate the [[wikipedia:Gordon_Gekko\|Gordon Gekko]] motto that "''Greed is Good''". And when it comes to profit maximization, this is largely true. [[Capitalism]] harnesses the human tendency to desire [[wealth]] to create new [[technologies]] and improve the [[quality of life]] dramatically for billions of people. That's very good, isn't it?

	The problem comes when one confuses the means with the ends. We are harnessing natural greed to improve our lives. We do not need to enhance our selfish tendencies artificially in order to make [[capitalism]] somehow work better. This only leads to [[grift]], not innovation.		The problem comes when one confuses the means with the ends. We are harnessing natural greed to improve our lives. We do not need to enhance our selfish tendencies artificially in order to make [[capitalism]] somehow work better. This only leads to [[grift]] and [[monetary addiction]], not innovation.

	[[Culture]] does not need to celebrate greed--it celebrates itself just fine. Excessive greed that leads to [[grift]] should be strictly [[taboo]] whenever the [[legal]] system cannot intervene. Greed should not be considered good but a necessary evil that can be put to productive use with the right [[incentives]]. But our [[ethics]] should always focus on altruism and the ultimate goal of improving lives as the source for good, never greed itself.		[[Culture]] does not need to celebrate greed--it celebrates itself just fine. Excessive greed that leads to [[grift]] should be strictly [[taboo]] whenever the [[legal]] system cannot intervene. Greed should not be considered good but a necessary evil that can be put to productive use with the right [[incentives]]. But our [[ethics]] should always focus on altruism and the ultimate goal of improving lives as the source for good, never greed itself.

Fractalguy at 18:58, 10 January 2025

2025-01-10T18:58:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 10 January 2025
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	Selfishness that brings [[happiness]] should be celebrated. Selfishness that is focused on [[money]], [[power]], [[sex]], and other [[Addiction\|addictions]] should be [[taboo]].		Selfishness that brings [[happiness]] should be celebrated. Selfishness that is focused on [[money]], [[power]], [[sex]], and other [[Addiction\|addictions]] should be [[taboo]].

	It is absolutely good to be [[emotionally]] selfish when you understand that the best [[emotions]] come from acts of altruism, kindness, fun, humor, and generally being a good person.		It is absolutely good to be [[emotionally]] selfish when you understand that the best [[emotions]] come from acts of altruism, kindness, fun, [[humor]], and generally being a good person.

	We all have plenty of innate drive to earn [[money]], just like we desire [[sex]], [[food]], and other pleasures. But we pity those who become [[addicted]] to anything except [[money]]. Billionaires and other victims of [https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hustle%20Culture hustle culture] are like any [[Addiction\|addict]] who has confused one way to find pleasure with the only way, and miss out on so much else as a result. They deserve our pity and the most expensive [[addiction]] recovery programs that [[money]] can buy.		We all have plenty of innate drive to earn [[money]], just like we desire [[sex]], [[food]], and other pleasures. But we pity those who become [[addicted]] to anything except [[money]]. Billionaires and other victims of [https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hustle%20Culture hustle culture] are like any [[Addiction\|addict]] who has confused one way to find pleasure with the only way, and miss out on so much else as a result. They deserve our pity and the most expensive [[addiction]] recovery programs that [[money]] can buy.

Fractalguy at 14:29, 29 December 2024

2024-12-29T14:29:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:29, 29 December 2024
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	[[wikipedia:Evolutionary_psychology\|Evolutionary psychology]] has demonstrated the enormous survival value of altruism.		[[wikipedia:Evolutionary_psychology\|Evolutionary psychology]] has demonstrated the enormous survival value of altruism.

	Study after study shows that our [[brains]] are wired to be [[happy]] when we are helping.		Study after study shows that our [[brains]] are wired to be [[happy]] when we are helping.<blockquote>''“You think because I’m kind that it means I’m naïve, and maybe I am. It’s strategic and necessary. This is how I fight.”'' -[https://christandpopculture.com/this-is-how-i-fight-learning-kindness-in-everything-everywhere-all-at-once/ Waymond Wang, Everything Everywhere All At Once]</blockquote>See [[wikipedia:Altruism\|Altruism]]

	See [[wikipedia:Altruism\|Altruism]]

	== Is Greed Good? ==		== Is Greed Good? ==

Fractalguy: /* Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal */

2024-12-29T12:27:36Z

Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:27, 29 December 2024
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	== Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal ==		== Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal ==
	The counterintuitive relationship between human [[happiness]], selfishness, and altruism is a perfect example of the [[fractal]] nature of [[truth]], where two sides of a dichotomy form a mobius-like [[feedback loop]] that defies Euclidean categorization. This relationship is also depicted by the [[wikipedia:Yin_and_yang\|Yin and Yang]], though the [[fractal]] does a better job of conveying the idea that the closer you look at the dichotomy, the more detail it reveals, and a clean delineation can never truly be found.		The counterintuitive relationship between human [[happiness]], selfishness, and altruism is a perfect example of the [[fractal]] nature of [[truth]], where two sides of a dichotomy form a [[Meta\|mobius]]-like [[feedback loop]] that defies Euclidean categorization. This relationship is also depicted by the [[wikipedia:Yin_and_yang\|Yin and Yang]], though the [[fractal]] does a better job of conveying the idea that the closer you look at the dichotomy, the more detail it reveals, and a [[Godel\|clean delineation can never truly be found]].

	* We are naturally [[selfish]] due to our survival instinct.		* We are naturally [[selfish]] due to our survival instinct.

Fractalguy: /* Material Means and Emotional Ends */

2024-12-29T12:25:58Z

Material Means and Emotional Ends

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:25, 29 December 2024
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	== Is Good Greed? ==		== Is Good Greed? ==
	Conversely, acts of selflessness and kindness have an [[Emotions\|emotional]] impact that is extremely beneficial. The whole point of acquiring [[money]] is so that you can do things that bring you these kinds of emotions! So is it ultimately greedy to be good?		Conversely, acts of selflessness and kindness have an [[Emotions\|emotional]] impact that is extremely beneficial. The whole point of acquiring [[money]] is so that you can do things that bring you these kinds of [[emotions]]! So is it ultimately greedy to be good?

	When we consider directly the [[utilitarian]] goal of improving [[happiness and well-being]] for the greatest number of people, rather than proxy goals like [[wealth]], and GDP, it brings our [[emotional]] goals in line with our [[political]] and [[economic]] goals. This could be considered a great act of [[wikipedia:Selfishness\|selfishness]], even though it would lead to significantly less [[Materialistic\|materialism]].		When we consider directly the [[utilitarian]] goal of improving [[happiness and well-being]] for the greatest number of people, rather than proxy goals like [[wealth]], and GDP, it brings our [[emotional]] goals in line with our [[political]] and [[economic]] goals. This could be considered a great act of [[wikipedia:Selfishness\|selfishness]], even though it would lead to significantly less [[Materialistic\|materialism]].
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	We all have plenty of innate drive to earn [[money]], just like we desire [[sex]], [[food]], and other pleasures. But we pity those who become [[addicted]] to anything except [[money]]. Billionaires and other victims of [https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hustle%20Culture hustle culture] are like any [[Addiction\|addict]] who has confused one way to find pleasure with the only way, and miss out on so much else as a result. They deserve our pity and the most expensive [[addiction]] recovery programs that [[money]] can buy.		We all have plenty of innate drive to earn [[money]], just like we desire [[sex]], [[food]], and other pleasures. But we pity those who become [[addicted]] to anything except [[money]]. Billionaires and other victims of [https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hustle%20Culture hustle culture] are like any [[Addiction\|addict]] who has confused one way to find pleasure with the only way, and miss out on so much else as a result. They deserve our pity and the most expensive [[addiction]] recovery programs that [[money]] can buy.

	Another way to look at it is that much of our [[psychological]] discontent comes when we confuse the material means with an [[emotional]] ends, and [[addiction]] is when we fixate on a particular means to the exclusion of others.		Another way to look at it is that much of our [[psychological]] discontent comes when we confuse the [[Materialistic\|material]] means with an [[emotional]] ends, and [[addiction]] is when we fixate on a particular means to the exclusion of others.

	== Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal ==		== Altruism, Selfishness, and the Fractal ==

Fractalguy: /* Is Good Greed? */

2024-07-13T15:52:42Z

Is Good Greed?

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 13 July 2024
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	Conversely, acts of selflessness and kindness have an [[Emotions\|emotional]] impact that is extremely beneficial. The whole point of acquiring [[money]] is so that you can do things that bring you these kinds of emotions! So is it ultimately greedy to be good?		Conversely, acts of selflessness and kindness have an [[Emotions\|emotional]] impact that is extremely beneficial. The whole point of acquiring [[money]] is so that you can do things that bring you these kinds of emotions! So is it ultimately greedy to be good?

	When we consider directly the [[utilitarian]] goal of improving [[happiness and well-being]] for the greatest number of people, rather than proxy goals like wealth, and GDP, it brings our emotional goals in line with our [[political]] and [[economic]] goals. This could be considered a great act of selfishness, even though it would lead to significantly less [[Materialistic\|materialism]].		When we consider directly the [[utilitarian]] goal of improving [[happiness and well-being]] for the greatest number of people, rather than proxy goals like [[wealth]], and GDP, it brings our [[emotional]] goals in line with our [[political]] and [[economic]] goals. This could be considered a great act of [[wikipedia:Selfishness\|selfishness]], even though it would lead to significantly less [[Materialistic\|materialism]].

	== Material Means and Emotional Ends ==		== Material Means and Emotional Ends ==
	Selfishness that brings [[happiness]] should be celebrated. Selfishness that is focused on [[money]], [[power]], [[sex]], and other [[Addiction\|addictions]] should be [[taboo]].		Selfishness that brings [[happiness]] should be celebrated. Selfishness that is focused on [[money]], [[power]], [[sex]], and other [[Addiction\|addictions]] should be [[taboo]].

	It is absolutely good to be emotionally selfish when you understand that the best emotions come from acts of altruism, kindness, fun, humor, and generally being a good person.		It is absolutely good to be [[emotionally]] selfish when you understand that the best [[emotions]] come from acts of altruism, kindness, fun, humor, and generally being a good person.

	We all have plenty of innate drive to earn [[money]], just like we desire [[sex]], [[food]], and other pleasures. But we pity those who become [[addicted]] to anything except [[money]]. Billionaires and other victims of [https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hustle%20Culture hustle culture] are like any [[Addiction\|addict]] who has confused one way to find pleasure with the only way, and miss out on so much else as a result. They deserve our pity and the most expensive [[addiction]] recovery programs that [[money]] can buy.		We all have plenty of innate drive to earn [[money]], just like we desire [[sex]], [[food]], and other pleasures. But we pity those who become [[addicted]] to anything except [[money]]. Billionaires and other victims of [https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hustle%20Culture hustle culture] are like any [[Addiction\|addict]] who has confused one way to find pleasure with the only way, and miss out on so much else as a result. They deserve our pity and the most expensive [[addiction]] recovery programs that [[money]] can buy.

Fractalguy: /* Give The Worlds Richest People a Few More Pennies */

2024-05-08T19:35:33Z

Give The Worlds Richest People a Few More Pennies

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:35, 8 May 2024
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	== Give The Worlds Richest People a Few More Pennies ==		== Give The Worlds Richest People a Few More Pennies ==
	The infinite greed of the [[crypto-bros]] brings you an abundance of great video content on altruism.{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy5hejk4vl4\|\|center\|\|frame}}		The infinite greed of the [[crypto-bros]] brings you an abundance of great video content on altruism.{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy5hejk4vl4\|\|center\|Evolution Explains Kindness--Even When It Kills Us\|frame}}
			<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKtOXvA14X4\|\|center\|\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKtOXvA14X4\|\|center\|Altruism\|frame}}
			<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpPWmul6gVs\|\|center\|\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpPWmul6gVs\|\|center\|Sapolsky's Theory of Evolutionary Psychology\|frame}}
			<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqB-2HcFCvs\|\|center\|\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqB-2HcFCvs\|\|center\|Oh Oh What I Want to Know Is... Are You Kind?\|frame}}