In this episode of 'The Great Ungaslighting', I'm reminded of a scary night from my college days in West Philly and I delve into how our perceptions of fear and our reactions to it can be surprisingly calm in the face of perceived imminent danger. This anecdote serves as a springboard to explore the broader theme of the situational dependence of our behaviors and emotions, challenging the notion of a singular, consistent personality.
I critique the 'effective altruism' movement and its implications, particularly critiquing GiveWell and the rationality-driven yet detached approach to philanthropy championed by its adherents.
The episode juxtaposes this critical analysis with a discussion on the societal tendency to judge behaviors without understanding individual contexts, drawing on Dr. Devon Price's work 'Laziness Does Not Exist' to argue for a more compassionate and empathetic approach to understanding human behavior. I encourages listeners to embrace the complexity of their own and others' personalities, urging for more compassion and less judgment in assessing actions and motives, ultimately advocating for a recognition of our shared humanity and the complex interplay of factors that influence our behaviors.
Mentioned in this episode:
"The Deaths of Effective Altruism," WIRED, May 27, 2024
"Laziness Does Not Exist" by Devon Price
"Song of Myself" by Walt Whitman
