I like this essay. I am not a paladin and do not particularly plan to become one. I do not think all the people setting out to maximize utility would stand behind this particular version of the rallying cry.
But I do think paladins exist, I want them to have a rallying cry, and when it works — when they do manage to point themselves at the right target, and are capable of making a dent, then I appreciate that they exist and chose to do that. I also appreciate the “if you want to save the world, then here’s how” framing.
I don’t quite think someone could follow this essay to paladinhood so I’m mixed as to whether it succeeds at what it’s setting out to do. I’ve given this a small upward vote in the review, with the intent to say yeah, hey paladins, I’m glad you’re around LessWrong and I think something would be lost if you all left.
I like this essay. I am not a paladin and do not particularly plan to become one. I do not think all the people setting out to maximize utility would stand behind this particular version of the rallying cry.
But I do think paladins exist, I want them to have a rallying cry, and when it works — when they do manage to point themselves at the right target, and are capable of making a dent, then I appreciate that they exist and chose to do that. I also appreciate the “if you want to save the world, then here’s how” framing.
I don’t quite think someone could follow this essay to paladinhood so I’m mixed as to whether it succeeds at what it’s setting out to do. I’ve given this a small upward vote in the review, with the intent to say yeah, hey paladins, I’m glad you’re around LessWrong and I think something would be lost if you all left.