LessWrong (30+ Karma)

Dive into a unique game of picking the best blog posts of the 21st century! Explore standout pieces, from Joel Spolsky's insights on project management to Paul Graham's take on design and intellectual conformity. Discover thought-provoking discussions on rationality, productivity, and personal growth. Uncover important lessons about community dynamics and the impacts of motivation on life priorities. Plus, insights on writing, AI awareness, and the art of engagement make for a captivating listen!

Ben Pace, an experienced event organizer and writer, shares essential tips for crafting effective feedback forms based on his work with events hosting 50 to 500 attendees. He emphasizes using mandatory multiple-choice questions combined with optional text boxes for clarity. Numeric ratings provide valuable insights, distinguishing between averages like 7/10 and 4/10. Ben also discusses measuring unique event features, limiting free-text responses, and the importance of testing forms before deployment. His strategies aim to enhance attendee feedback and overall event quality.

Explore the intriguing Moonrise incident where a false alarm about Soviet missiles was triggered by lunar reflection. Delve into the challenges of program verification in high-stakes systems, questioning whether it's truly possible to predict unexpected events. Discover how machine learning models can address these issues, albeit with limitations on understanding complex human concepts. The conversation highlights the importance of robust assumptions in developing systems that can handle real-world unpredictability.

In a world on the brink of AGI, college life takes on a unique twist. The host reflects on shifting AGI timelines, grappling with mundane classes while aiming to mitigate existential risks. Prioritizing coursework becomes crucial as they navigate choosing a major focused on AI safety. The decision to drop out is weighed against the realities of being an international student. Meanwhile, the importance of finding a community of like-minded peers in AI safety is emphasized, along with practical tips for current students to thrive in this precarious environment.

Explore the fascinating dynamic of the philosopher vs. engineer joke format, revealing how different perspectives create humor in misunderstanding. The discussion dives into the rarity of this humor amid societal polarization and reflects on the author's intellectual journey shifting sympathy from philosophers to engineers. Additionally, it critiques the limitations of philosophical reasoning and emphasizes the importance of seeking answers grounded in empirical evidence, showcasing the rich interplay between philosophy and science.

A writer reflects on completing a challenging month of daily blogging, feeling both relief and exhaustion. He shares the struggle of last-minute writing with no buffer, often sacrificing quality for word count. Balancing work and leisure, he admits to neglecting hobbies during the process. The discussion touches on how daily blogging can predict future success, alongside the contrasting experiences of habitual writers versus those who give up. Finally, he wonders if the experience has transformed him into a true blogger.

Explore the fascinating contrast between market and gift economies using relatable examples like music and storytelling. The discussion highlights how the rationalist community thrives on reciprocity and volunteerism, supporting vibrant events and connections without relying on money. Key components of a successful gift economy are outlined, including reputation and long-term interaction. While low-friction and high-trust, potential drawbacks such as burnout are also considered, making for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.

Dive into the intriguing critique of romantic narratives, focusing on the iconic film, The Notebook. Discover how its seemingly sweet moments reveal deeper issues of coercion and problematic behaviors. Explore the influences shaping our romantic beliefs, from media distortions to family dynamics and cultural norms. The discussion also highlights the often overlooked roles of friends and social circles in shaping our views on love. Plus, uncover strategies for improving your understanding of romance through honest conversations.

In a timeworn pub, the mysterious wall taps draw patrons who vanish without a trace, while the drugged-out owner remains oblivious. Tension escalates between two characters, both claiming to be Harry Du Bois, culminating in a standoff with a gun. As they delve into Hermione's tragedy, they debate murder rates using quirky Fermi estimates, all while sharing a moment of grief over butterbeer. The unsettling atmosphere and enigmatic wall lead to a desire for answers, hinting at deeper mysteries beyond the faded pub walls.

The discussion dives into the complexities of how we perceive drugs, challenging the black-and-white thinking of good versus bad. Sharing personal experiences with ADHD and sleep apnea, the narrator illustrates the idea that needing medication isn't a flaw. By comparing ADHD treatment to using CPAP for sleep apnea, they argue that context matters when assessing drugs. The emphasis is on evaluating the consequences of drug use instead of adhering to moral categorizations, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of our mental and physical health tools.