How to explore Scott Alexander's work and his 1500+ blog posts? This unaffiliated fan website lets you sort and search through the whole codex. Enjoy!

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Jun 12, 2024
acx

Nobody Can Make You Feel Genetically Inferior Without Your Consent

9 min • 1,374 words • 964 comments • 297 likes • podcast (9 min)
Scott Alexander discusses the concept of genetic and personal inferiority, arguing that while objective differences exist, framing comparisons in terms of inferiority is unproductive and potentially harmful. Longer summary
Scott Alexander explores the concept of genetic inferiority, using cystic fibrosis as an example to distinguish between scientific/bioethical questions and potentially harmful social comparisons. He then extends this reasoning to personal comparisons, arguing that while objective differences between individuals exist, framing these as questions of superiority or inferiority is unproductive and potentially harmful. The post suggests that rejecting the framing of such comparisons is more beneficial than attempting to argue for equality in all aspects. Shorter summary
Jan 25, 2019
ssc

Predictions For 2019

8 min • 1,207 words • 97 comments • podcast (14 min)
Scott Alexander shares his 118 predictions for 2019, covering politics, economics, technology, and personal matters, with assigned probability percentages for each prediction. Longer summary
Scott Alexander presents his annual predictions for the upcoming year (2019). The post includes 118 predictions covering various topics such as US politics, economics, technology, world events, and personal matters. Each prediction is assigned a probability percentage. The predictions range from political outcomes (e.g., Trump's presidency, Democratic primaries) to economic indicators (e.g., Bitcoin prices, stock market performance) and personal goals. Many personal predictions are redacted to protect privacy. Scott explains the rules for these predictions and how they will be scored at the end of the year. Shorter summary
Apr 03, 2018
ssc

Highlights From The Comments On Twelve Rules

41 min • 6,219 words • 148 comments • podcast (42 min)
Scott Alexander reflects on reader comments about his review of Jordan Peterson's '12 Rules for Life', discussing interpretations of Peterson's philosophy and its impacts. Longer summary
This post summarizes and reflects on various comments made in response to Scott Alexander's review of Jordan Peterson's book '12 Rules for Life'. The comments cover a range of topics including Peterson's philosophical approach, his views on meaning and suffering, his impact on readers, and comparisons to other thinkers like C.S. Lewis. Scott provides his own thoughts on these interpretations, discussing ideas around the nature of meaning, the role of inspiration vs truth, and the merits of Peterson's approach to self-improvement and politics. He also considers how Peterson's ideas might be viewed from different philosophical perspectives. Shorter summary
Apr 07, 2017
ssc

Yes, We Have Noticed The Skulls

10 min • 1,499 words • 617 comments • podcast (12 min)
Scott Alexander defends rationalists against common criticisms, arguing that the movement is self-aware and actively tries to avoid past mistakes while striving for improvement. Longer summary
Scott Alexander responds to common criticisms of rationalists, economists, and psychiatrists. He argues that these criticisms are often outdated or based on misunderstandings, and that the fields in question are usually well aware of their own shortcomings. He focuses on the rationalist community, explaining that they actively try to avoid the mistakes of past movements, are aware of potential pitfalls, and strive for constant self-improvement and error minimization. Scott emphasizes that while the rationalist movement is likely still making mistakes, they are new ones rather than the obvious errors that critics often assume. Shorter summary
Mar 24, 2014
ssc

Should You Reverse Any Advice You Hear?

11 min • 1,595 words • 115 comments • podcast (12 min)
Scott Alexander discusses how people tend to seek advice that reinforces their existing tendencies and proposes considering the opposite of appealing advice. Longer summary
Scott Alexander explores the idea that advice is often useful for some people but harmful for others, depending on their natural tendencies. He suggests that people often gravitate towards advice that aligns with their existing inclinations, potentially exacerbating their biases. The post discusses various examples of opposing advice pairs and how different groups promote different sides. Scott proposes the idea of 'advice reversal', where individuals consider doing the opposite of advice they find appealing, as it might be more beneficial for them personally. He concludes with a checklist for when to consider reversing advice. Shorter summary