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I'm not going to empathize with them based on a slightly derivative version of the Nuremberg defense. The fact that this is how they're choosing to deploy their

I'm not going to empathize with them based on a slightly derivative version of the Nuremberg defense. The fact that this is how they're choosing to deploy their wealth speaks volumes - all for me, nothing for the public good. Why not collectively agree to limit their wealth to a sustainable billion dollars each? They could police each other on that just as easily as the dragon-hoarding they're doing now.

cjbgkagh 2y ago
Not even close to the Nuremberg “following orders” defense. Empathy is an essential component to understanding and understanding is an essential component to productive change. This is on the fairly safe assumption that most changes, especially random or chaotic, would be unproductive or even counter productive.
- arrosenberg 2y ago
  It is though - according to you, the would-be oligarchs are acting collectively against the public due to social pressure from the other oligarchs. When Larry shows some for me, I’ll show some for him. Only one of us is in a position to cause the other harm.
  - cjbgkagh 2y ago
    Why would Larry want to change your behavior, or even think about you at all? Requiring such reciprocity as a prerequisite only hurts yourself making it less likely you’ll achieve change or at least the kind of changes you want.
    - arrosenberg 2y ago
      He’s talking about implementing a security state to keep the plebs in line and using our data for his own ends. I have no idea why, he’s a sick man. I don’t think empathizing with a Larry Ellison and Jeff Bezos is going to get me anywhere. Normal people? Sure, I’ll be a giver.
      - jcgrillo 2y ago
        Empathizing with someone who routinely demonstrates they have no empathy is a dead end road.
        cjbgkagh 2y ago
        You’re not empathizing with them for their benefit, and you’re not punishing them by not empathizing.
        arrosenberg 2y ago
        I’m not going to punish myself by empathizing with them at all, because they will take advantage of me.

cjbgkagh 2y ago

Not even close to the Nuremberg “following orders” defense. Empathy is an essential component to understanding and understanding is an essential component to productive change. This is on the fairly safe assumption that most changes, especially random or chaotic, would be unproductive or even counter productive.

arrosenberg 2y ago
It is though - according to you, the would-be oligarchs are acting collectively against the public due to social pressure from the other oligarchs. When Larry shows some for me, I’ll show some for him. Only one of us is in a position to cause the other harm.
- cjbgkagh 2y ago
  Why would Larry want to change your behavior, or even think about you at all? Requiring such reciprocity as a prerequisite only hurts yourself making it less likely you’ll achieve change or at least the kind of changes you want.
  - arrosenberg 2y ago
    He’s talking about implementing a security state to keep the plebs in line and using our data for his own ends. I have no idea why, he’s a sick man. I don’t think empathizing with a Larry Ellison and Jeff Bezos is going to get me anywhere. Normal people? Sure, I’ll be a giver.
    - jcgrillo 2y ago
      Empathizing with someone who routinely demonstrates they have no empathy is a dead end road.
      - cjbgkagh 2y ago
        You’re not empathizing with them for their benefit, and you’re not punishing them by not empathizing.
        arrosenberg 2y ago
        I’m not going to punish myself by empathizing with them at all, because they will take advantage of me.