Are we experiencing a societal learning bottleneck when it comes to wellbeing maximization? Why are we arguing politically? By the way, which Strawberry Universe do you live in? đđ
Yes, I will forever be coming up with metaphors for you. Follow me on this one, I really like it.
Seemingly contrary to some of my friends, I think the majority of humanity understands our interconnectedness and the benefits of maximum wellbeing for all. When individuals and societies flourish, their success benefits others directly (through shared resources, knowledge, and innovation) and indirectly (through reduced conflict, greater resilience, and shared progress). Therefore, striving for maximum wellbeing for all is both morally compelling and pragmatically beneficial.
So why not just do that?
I think we are arguing across mindsets rougly describable as realism-right-now and insisting-on-a-possible-future.
The way we think about prioritizing resources influences our decisions, our political leanings and conversations with family, friends and strangers on social media.
How do we find our way through the labyrinth towards maximized wellbeing together?
Maybe join me in a thought experiment.
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Is it okay if we start here? Societal systems for wellbeing cost money. If not money, then it costs the work of people willing to build the systems, instead of relaxing.
Do you believe that scarcity exists?
If you DO BELIEVE that scarcity exists, then:
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Welcome to The Universe of Limited Strawberries
Here, societies must prioritize and make tough decisions about where to allocate limited resources most effectively.
The metaphorical maximum-wellbeing-strawberries are limited in number.
With politics, we argue over where to prioritize the resources.
If you DO NOT BELIEVE scarcity exists, then:
đđđ đđđ
Welcome to The Universe of Abundant Strawberries
Here, societies must prioritize and make tough decisions about how to allocate abundant resources most effectively.
The metaphorical maximum-wellbeing-strawberries are abundant in number.
With politics, we argue over how to prioritize the resources.
đđđđđđ / đ
To maximize wellbeing, we must work with both realities:
đ Acknowledge current limitations (Limited Strawberries) while striving to help unlock potential abundance (Abundant Strawberries).
đ Engage in politics not as zero-sum battles but as collaborative problem-solving exercises aimed at building a world where wellbeing maximization is a learning process: "Some people are a lot smarter than me about some things. How do I check and contribute?"
Might we be in a transition? You know ...together?
đđđđđđđ
Where to maybe learn next:
đ Explore mental models like effective altruism (maximizing the impact of scarce resources) and effective accelerationism (investing in technologies and systems that unlock abundance).
đ Explore nondualistic meditation.
đ Challenge assumptions.
đ Listen.
Plot twist:
đ = learning.