3 ms·

> The sad part is that we could actually solve some real problems by coordinating collective action on, say, starting a new city that's designed around non-moto

by Kalium 5y ago

> The sad part is that we could actually solve some real problems by coordinating collective action on, say, starting a new city that's designed around non-motorized transit within the city limits. But we don't. We get Snoop Dogg crypto instead. Is it perhaps possible that what's been solved is not collective action in a general sense, but transparently self-interested collective action for a narrow easy-engagement rapid-payoff set of problems? Revamping city design, or setting up a new one, doesn't meet any of those criteria. It's not easy to engage with. It doesn't pay off quickly. It's not immediately obvious why a random person would want to jump on. So, go ahead. Lament that the teeming masses have collectively made a decision that's not the one we would like them to. It is a modern tragedy. For my own part, I think there are lessons to be learned in why one decision was collectively made and acted on and not another.

3pt14159 5y ago
Right, but it is righteous and still widely profitable. It's more work, but it's lasting, honest value. This is why it is so depressing.
- Kalium 5y ago
  Widely profitable for who? For society or directly in dollars for the individuals involved? Righteous by whose definition? Honest by whose definition? How widely shared are those definitions? Rhetorical questions, please don't answer. Someone has solved a particular kind of collective action problem. Now we have a playbook for addressing a specific type of situation. It doesn't seem to be a general solution or readily adaptable to a general solution. Perhaps we could be happy that we have gained a useful tool. Even if it's not quite the tool we might have wished for. Otherwise we're essentially lamenting that all the money and effort that goes into, say, consumer goods R&D (or another unworthy cause) isn't instead used for medical research (or another worthy cause).

by Kalium 5y ago

3pt14159 5y ago

Right, but it is righteous and still widely profitable. It's more work, but it's lasting, honest value. This is why it is so depressing.

Kalium 5y ago
Widely profitable for who? For society or directly in dollars for the individuals involved? Righteous by whose definition? Honest by whose definition? How widely shared are those definitions? Rhetorical questions, please don't answer. Someone has solved a particular kind of collective action problem. Now we have a playbook for addressing a specific type of situation. It doesn't seem to be a general solution or readily adaptable to a general solution. Perhaps we could be happy that we have gained a useful tool. Even if it's not quite the tool we might have wished for. Otherwise we're essentially lamenting that all the money and effort that goes into, say, consumer goods R&D (or another unworthy cause) isn't instead used for medical research (or another worthy cause).