I also look down on people I consider worse than me. I used to be more cynical and bitter. But now people receive me as warm and friendly—even people outside of a rationalist “truth-first” type community.
I’m saying this because I see in you a desire to connect with people. You wish they were more like you. But you are afraid of becoming more like them.
The solution is to be upfront with them about your feelings instead of holding it in.
Most people care more about being understood than being admired. The kind of person who prioritizes their own comfort over productivity within an abstract system—they are probably less autistic than you. They are interested in you. If you are disgusted with their mindset, they’ll want to know. If you explain it to them, and then listen to their side of where they are coming from, and then you will learn a more detailed model of them.
If you see a way they personally benefit (by their own values) by behaving differently—then telling them is a kindness.
Another thing is that a lot of people actually want you to be superior to them. They want to be the kitten. They want you to take care of it. They want to higher status people around them. They want someone to follow. They want to be part of something bigger. They want a role model to have something to aim towards. Many reasons.
Being upfront can also filter you into social bubbles that share your values.
I also look down on people I consider worse than me. I used to be more cynical and bitter. But now people receive me as warm and friendly—even people outside of a rationalist “truth-first” type community.
I’m saying this because I see in you a desire to connect with people. You wish they were more like you. But you are afraid of becoming more like them.
The solution is to be upfront with them about your feelings instead of holding it in.
Most people care more about being understood than being admired. The kind of person who prioritizes their own comfort over productivity within an abstract system—they are probably less autistic than you. They are interested in you. If you are disgusted with their mindset, they’ll want to know. If you explain it to them, and then listen to their side of where they are coming from, and then you will learn a more detailed model of them.
If you see a way they personally benefit (by their own values) by behaving differently—then telling them is a kindness.
Another thing is that a lot of people actually want you to be superior to them. They want to be the kitten. They want you to take care of it. They want to higher status people around them. They want someone to follow. They want to be part of something bigger. They want a role model to have something to aim towards. Many reasons.
Being upfront can also filter you into social bubbles that share your values.