LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Human Values ≠ Goodness” by johnswentworth
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Nov 12, 2025 In this engaging discussion, John S. Wentworth, a writer and LessWrong contributor renowned for his insights on rationality and AI, delves into the complex relationship between human values and societal concepts of goodness. He emphasizes how our feelings of 'yumminess' when imagining experiences truly reveal our values. Wentworth explores how cultural influences shape our understanding of goodness and highlights the importance of loving connections. He cautions against accepting societal norms blindly, urging listeners to balance them with their authentic values for greater wellbeing.
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Values Are Measured By 'Yumminess'
- Values feel like a strong internal "yumminess" or yearning when you imagine them.
- John S. Wentworth uses this feeling as a practical probe to identify what people truly value.
Goodness Is A Socially Spread Construct
- Goodness is largely a mimetic egregore formed by cultural messages about what to value.
- This social construct often differs significantly from the actual internal values people experience.
Learning 'Goodness' From Upbringing
- Wentworth recounts learning goodness from parents, teachers, religion, books, and movies listing rules like don't steal or share.
- He contrasts those learned messages with the internal yumminess test for actual values.