LessWrong (30+ Karma) “Effective Pizzaism” by Screwtape
Dec 3, 2025
The discussion dives into what it means to be an 'effective pizzaist,' exploring personal motivations for wanting more pizza. The host links money to values, sharing how price influences our desires. An interesting twist emerges with a family blood donation competition, revealing profound motivations. There's a critical look at flawed members within movements and how that doesn't diminish the core desire. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own values and resource allocation. Pizza becomes a metaphor for deeper life choices.
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Pizza As A Values Meter
- The author uses pizza as a clear analogy for personal values and trade-offs in giving.
- Money reveals relative caring: you spend more on what you value and less on what you don't.
Price Reflects More Than Preference
- Price doesn't equal value; it's shaped by supply, demand, and production difficulty.
- Getting more of what you want cheaply is effective and worth optimizing with tools like Google reviews.
Use Reviews To Spend Smarter
- Use available tools like Google reviews to find better pizza for less money.
- Spend your resources more effectively by leveraging public information on quality and price.