Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Win-Win vs. Moloch, the many-headed monster that may consume us all (with Liv Boeree)
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Nov 1, 2023 
Liv Boeree, a renowned poker player turned educator and game theory researcher, dives deep into the concept of 'Moloch' and its impact on society. They explore how unhealthy competition can lead to detrimental outcomes, using examples from politics to social media. Boeree discusses the necessity for collaboration in navigating these Molochian scenarios, emphasizing innovative solutions and community-driven values. She also reflects on her journey from competitive poker to embracing a mindset of long-term cooperation and meaningful relationships.
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Moloch and Unhealthy Competition
- Moloch represents misaligned incentives in competitive systems, where short-term gains lead to overall negative outcomes.
- It's like a multi-way prisoner's dilemma, where individual incentives create a worse outcome for everyone.
Moloch in the Olympics
- The Olympics, while mostly positive, demonstrates Moloch through doping scandals.
- Athletes face pressure to cheat despite the overall harm, highlighting misaligned incentives.
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Competition
- Competition is healthy when individual incentives align with the good of the whole.
- Misalignment occurs when individual rewards for an action harm the overall system.
