The Collision of Ideals: A Tugboat Tale of Rationalists Disillusioned
In a gripping tale from the heart of the Rationalist community, Ziz Lasota and Gwen Danielson navigate the stormy waters of ambition, ethics, and disillusionment aboard the tugboat Caleb. Their quest to assemble an elite “Rationalist Fleet” aimed at addressing AI threats spirals into chaos due to financial pressures and personal clashes.
Key Highlights:
- Idealistic Vision: Lasota and Danielson envisioned a communal living setup for like-minded thinkers, challenging corporate structures.
- Conflict of Values: Financial strains lead to intense disagreements and a descent into desperation, including dubious money-making schemes.
- Community Betrayal: Disillusionment with key institutions like MIRI reveals cracks in their once-heralded optimism, sparking protests that turn violent.
This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the slippery slope from idealism to extremism within intellectual circles.
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