80,000 Hours Podcast

Rob Wiblin on self-improvement and research ethics

32 snips
Jan 13, 2021
Spencer Greenberg, creator of the Clearer Thinking Podcast, dives into a captivating discussion with Rob Wiblin. They explore whether self-improvement is effective, emphasizing the role of line managers in productivity. The conversation touches on the complexities of human values and the ethical concerns surrounding research practices. Rob critiques the harm caused by institutional review boards and shares insights on prediction markets and their failures. Their engaging dialogue challenges listeners to rethink traditional views on ethics and self-betterment.
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ADVICE

Realistic Self-Assessment

  • Forecast your future self realistically, considering your past behavior and tendencies.
  • Avoid planning based on an idealized, more diligent future you.
ANECDOTE

Back Pain Solution

  • Spencer Greenberg solved chronic back pain through experimenting with chairs and a standing desk.
  • This highlights the potential for self-experimentation to address specific problems.
ANECDOTE

Sleep Experiment

  • Spencer is currently tracking tiredness and sleep data, aiming to correlate sleep factors with energy levels.
  • He acknowledges the experiment might not yield valuable results, but the process is insightful.
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