You know, with regards to utilitarianism, I wonder if I could do more good helping first-world people to enjoy the things they have and to generally have more fulfilling lives. I imagine that this can be done at a much cheaper rate than, say, building wells in Africa (though of course the two approaches needn’t be and shouldn’t be mutually exclusive).
Does any one else have ideas for interventions (perhaps teachings) that would yield happier people?
Seems like a good idea. If we assume that the people you want to help already have the money, they are only using it suboptimally, then the only expense is your time spent explaining them how to use it better (and researching). And if you would charge them for the advice, that would even cover your costs.
So, you could call yourself a “happiness advisor”, read a few books about happiness, give people around you ideas how to improve their lives… and perhaps at the beginning just ask them for voluntary donations if they feel your ideas have improved their lives. Also ask them for some kind of written feedback, which you will use as an advertising later. Later you could optionally switch from donations to hourly rate; or maybe provide the first lesson for free, and the following lessons for money.
I was thinking are there smaller interventions that I could convince many people to take up. For instance, I want to look into 100 happy days, but depending on how effective it is, widespread proselytizing of similar tolls may be a cheap way to raise a lot of utility.
That said, I was thinking today, that If I were given long term direct contact with a willing student, I probably could teach him/her to live in Joy (I’m thinking of stoic philosophy and Buddhist non-attachment, plus all the behaviors I’ve discovered or invented to help me live intentionally). I’ve long thought that I should wight a book called Techniques for Intentional Living. Hmmm...I suppose I could open a personal advisory business. It would fit in well with the other work I do. However, I don’t think one-on-one consultation is a good plan for high impact.
So, you could call yourself a “happiness advisor”, read a few books about happiness, give people around you ideas how to improve their lives… and perhaps at the beginning just ask them for voluntary donations if they feel your ideas have improved their lives. Also ask them for some kind of written feedback, which you will use as an advertising later.
I should note that this isn’t far off from what the CFAR is aiming at. Ultimately, rationality should convert to accomplishment of one’s goals, and if one’s goals are well chosen (which may or may not also fall under the umbrella of rationality?), accomplishment should convert to satisfaction.
You know, with regards to utilitarianism, I wonder if I could do more good helping first-world people to enjoy the things they have and to generally have more fulfilling lives. I imagine that this can be done at a much cheaper rate than, say, building wells in Africa (though of course the two approaches needn’t be and shouldn’t be mutually exclusive).
Does any one else have ideas for interventions (perhaps teachings) that would yield happier people?
There are various services and products on the self help market.
If you want to focus on more evidence-based approaches, there’s the positive psychology literature. Martin Seligman’s TED talk gives an overview.
Seems like a good idea. If we assume that the people you want to help already have the money, they are only using it suboptimally, then the only expense is your time spent explaining them how to use it better (and researching). And if you would charge them for the advice, that would even cover your costs.
So, you could call yourself a “happiness advisor”, read a few books about happiness, give people around you ideas how to improve their lives… and perhaps at the beginning just ask them for voluntary donations if they feel your ideas have improved their lives. Also ask them for some kind of written feedback, which you will use as an advertising later. Later you could optionally switch from donations to hourly rate; or maybe provide the first lesson for free, and the following lessons for money.
Ok. This made me laugh.
I was thinking are there smaller interventions that I could convince many people to take up. For instance, I want to look into 100 happy days, but depending on how effective it is, widespread proselytizing of similar tolls may be a cheap way to raise a lot of utility.
That said, I was thinking today, that If I were given long term direct contact with a willing student, I probably could teach him/her to live in Joy (I’m thinking of stoic philosophy and Buddhist non-attachment, plus all the behaviors I’ve discovered or invented to help me live intentionally). I’ve long thought that I should wight a book called Techniques for Intentional Living. Hmmm...I suppose I could open a personal advisory business. It would fit in well with the other work I do. However, I don’t think one-on-one consultation is a good plan for high impact.
I should note that this isn’t far off from what the CFAR is aiming at. Ultimately, rationality should convert to accomplishment of one’s goals, and if one’s goals are well chosen (which may or may not also fall under the umbrella of rationality?), accomplishment should convert to satisfaction.