I think this observation and explanation makes sense based on my experience.
This has the corollary that if you believe you are a certain number of inferential steps away from everyone else, you then need to either give up seeking validation and advice (and funding and direct support!) from others, find a niche community of likeminded people, or try to pitch your idea to (other) rationalists.
(If you give up seeking validation and advice then of course you need to make damn sure you have good ways of not going crazy, as well as to fund/​support your genius idea that others think are crazy.)
I think this observation and explanation makes sense based on my experience.
This has the corollary that if you believe you are a certain number of inferential steps away from everyone else, you then need to either give up seeking validation and advice (and funding and direct support!) from others, find a niche community of likeminded people, or try to pitch your idea to (other) rationalists.
(If you give up seeking validation and advice then of course you need to make damn sure you have good ways of not going crazy, as well as to fund/​support your genius idea that others think are crazy.)