LessWrong (30+ Karma) “Trying to understand my own cognitive edge” by Wei Dai
Nov 3, 2025
Wei Dai, a contributor to LessWrong with a background in applied cryptography, explores his unique cognitive traits and the concept of intellectual 'edge.' He delves into whether his intuitions stem from cognitive abilities, luck, or something else entirely. Wei shares insights on how self-skepticism and life independence shaped his success, though he cautions against oversimplified advice on replicating these traits. He also examines how the interplay of cognitive characteristics can enhance advantages while recognizing the potential for distortions in thinking.
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Choosing Cryptography Over AI
- Wei Dai describes being a smart but not world-class student who chose applied cryptography over AI courses.
- He recounts struggling with GNFS while others rapidly advanced, motivating a peripheral approach to AI risk.
Success From Superior Intuitions
- Wei Dai attributes his success mainly to unusually good intuitions about which problems and approaches mattered.
- He used above-average intelligence to capture low-hanging fruit and stake positions that later became influential.
Rarity And Gap Of Intuitions
- He finds it puzzling that these intuitions are rare and hard to explain by standard cognitive science.
- He notes a large gap between his intuitions and others', citing long periods of being intellectually alone on certain positions.
