LessWrong (30+ Karma) “Human Values ≠ Goodness” by johnswentworth
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Nov 2, 2025 John S. Wentworth, a contributor to LessWrong and an expert on rationality and values, dives into the complex relationship between human values and the concept of goodness. He argues that our personal values resonate as a 'yumminess' felt in our minds, influenced more by cultural messages than by conscious choice. Wentworth emphasizes the importance of loving connections in shaping these values while cautioning against the blind acceptance of societal norms, advocating for a thoughtful balance in pursuing what truly fulfills us.
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Values Are Measured By Inner 'Yumminess'
- Values are the "yumminess" or yearning you feel when imagining something.
- That internal feeling points to what you truly prioritize, not what memes prescribe.
Goodness Is A Socially Spread Egregore
- Goodness is a mimetic egregore made of socially transmitted messages about what people should value.
- Those memetic norms often differ from the actual yumminess people feel internally.
Childhood Lessons Shape 'Goodness'
- Wentworth lists childhood lessons: don't steal, follow rules, share, and obey authority.
- These teachings illustrate how we absorb 'goodness' mimetically from parents and institutions.