> How many people have come to a crowded area just outside an elevator, only to find that the problem is that nobody has pushed the button? That's easily expla

> How many people have come to a crowded area just outside an elevator, only to find that the problem is that nobody has pushed the button? That's easily explained by information cascade: everybody tries to assess the situation calmly, notice no one is doing anything, and conclude nothing shall be done. Eliezer gave the example of smoke under the door (vs a fire alarm): the more people in the room, the less likely they are to act. The $20 bill is very different: while the area is crowed, each individual is alone, and doesn't expect any attention from bending down and picking up the bill. > The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Yes it is? http://lesswrong.com/lw/ih/absence_of_evidence_is_evidence_of_absence/ http://lesswrong.com/lw/ih/absence_of_evidence_is_evidence_o...