Scott Alexander compares two contrasting models of how social movements gain or lose respectability, using examples from gay rights and environmental issues to explore their implications. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores the concept of 'respectability cascades' in social movements, comparing two contrasting models. The first model, exemplified by the gay rights movement, suggests that when less respectable individuals publicly support a cause, it gradually becomes more acceptable for increasingly respectable people to join. The second model, illustrated by issues like endocrine disruptors and immigration, suggests that when disreputable people champion a cause, it becomes toxic and respectable people avoid it. Scott discusses the strategic implications of these models, particularly for his own interest in protecting scientific integrity from regressive leftism. He considers various factors that might determine which model applies in a given situation, such as the initial level of taboo, the likeability of supporters, and the availability of alternatives for supporters. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander shares and briefly comments on various insightful quotes from Jonathan Haidt's 'The Righteous Mind', covering topics like psychology, politics, and religion. Longer summary

This post is a collection of quotes from Jonathan Haidt's book 'The Righteous Mind' that Scott Alexander found particularly interesting or insightful. The quotes cover a wide range of topics including human psychology, social behavior, political polarization, and the role of religion in society. Scott provides brief comments on some quotes, highlighting their relevance to his own thoughts or current societal issues. The post doesn't present a cohesive argument but rather serves as a collection of thought-provoking ideas from Haidt's work. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines how 'fnords' and similar psychological techniques may influence political discourse and polarization through unconscious associations. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores the concept of 'fnords' from the book Illuminatus and how it relates to political discourse and psychological manipulation. He discusses Nydwracu's technique of stripping articles down to their emotionally-charged words, Jonathan Haidt's experiments on disgust and moral judgments, and the potential psychological mechanisms behind associating ideas with disliked figures. The post suggests that these techniques may contribute to political polarization by creating unconscious negative associations. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander explores the concept of the 'hive switch' in nerds, realizing that they can experience group unity when they find the right in-group. Longer summary

Scott Alexander reflects on Jonathan Haidt's concept of humans being '90% chimp and 10% bee', initially thinking he lacked the 'hive switch' that allows people to unite into a superorganism. He recalls his aversion to patriotism, prayer, team sports, and pep rallies in his youth, and notes similar sentiments among his readers. However, he realizes that nerds can experience this 'hive switch' when they find the right in-group, citing his experiences with micronations and the rationalist community. He concludes that the ability to connect deeply with an in-group is valuable and advises those who think they lack this ability to find an in-group that truly resonates with them. Shorter summary