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Same as people going on vacation, with "nothing to show for it, could have donated to cancer research" and take a variety of terminal risks in the process. We
by ctdonath 12y ago
Same as people going on vacation, with "nothing to show for it, could have donated to cancer research" and take a variety of terminal risks in the process.
We live for a little while, then die. Good if we can have a heckuva ride along the way, so long as it doesn't result in a net harm. This guy did it because the record was there, the experience was there, he contributed to advancing the (admittedly narrow) field involved, etc. If you've lived a good productive life, kudos in doing something fun & dramatic that may have a chance of a spectacular exit.
And you have no idea how much he _has_ contributed to cancer research or other laudable causes. The wealthy tend to give away a whole lot more than the general public is aware of.
- davesque 12y agoYour point about his potential contributions to other good causes is well taken. Thank you for taking the time to compose your response. I still think that taking death-defying risks is basically a sign of immaturity. It's a little disappointing to see it in a person who is supposed to be a leader in my field. I look up to people who don't take extreme, unwarranted risks, whether for fun or "for science." All they have to do is have genuine skill and insight and take sensible risks for the greater good. In my opinion, which I am perfectly entitled to without people claiming that I'm detracting from the discussion, this kind of thing just promotes an unstable, manic culture in the tech world.