Evaluate consequences at multiple orders of abstraction.
Some people evaluate only in the concrete in your face anecdote. Some people evaluate only from a God’s eye perspective. Evaluate at multiple levels, and see if they agree.
Have less confidence the higher your level of abstractions go.
Maybe the overarching principle is a good one, but your ability to make accurate generalizations is less than your ability to determine whether being smashed in the head with a hammer will be unpleasant.
Along these lines, have respect for your own ignorance.
Always ask whether it’s likely you have enough information and experience to be confident in your answer. For any hypothesis testing problem, include the hypothesis “I don’t know what I’m talking about”, and take it seriously.
Evaluate consequences at multiple orders of abstraction.
Some people evaluate only in the concrete in your face anecdote. Some people evaluate only from a God’s eye perspective. Evaluate at multiple levels, and see if they agree.
Have less confidence the higher your level of abstractions go.
Maybe the overarching principle is a good one, but your ability to make accurate generalizations is less than your ability to determine whether being smashed in the head with a hammer will be unpleasant.
Along these lines, have respect for your own ignorance.
Always ask whether it’s likely you have enough information and experience to be confident in your answer. For any hypothesis testing problem, include the hypothesis “I don’t know what I’m talking about”, and take it seriously.