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May 11, 2013
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Raikoth: Symbolic Beads

10 min • 1,300 words • 45 comments
Scott Alexander describes a fictional society's use of symbolic bead necklaces to redirect status games towards charitable giving. Longer summary
This post describes a fictional society called Raikoth and its innovative approach to redirecting status games towards charitable giving. The society uses a system of symbolic beads worn as necklaces to convey personal information and social protocols. The most significant part of this system involves government-issued beads that indicate income levels and charitable donations. This setup encourages wealthy individuals to donate to charity to maintain their status, effectively turning charitable giving into the primary status game in the society. The post explores how this system might work and its potential effects on social behavior and wealth signaling. Shorter summary
May 10, 2013
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Raikoth: Cities, Land

11 min • 1,521 words • 37 comments
The post details the housing, urban planning, and land use in Raikoth, a fictional country where people live in yurts and cities are designed for cleanliness and tranquility. Longer summary
This post describes the housing and urban planning of Raikoth, a fictional country. Raikolin people primarily live in yurts, which are cheap, mobile, and adaptable. Cities are designed to be clean, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing, with strict rules against littering, noise pollution, and visual clutter. The country also has vast wilderness areas where people can live freely away from civilization. The post outlines the unique features of Raikothin cities, land use policies, and the option for citizens to live in remote, challenging environments. Shorter summary
May 08, 2013
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Raikoth: Corruption, Priesthood

10 min • 1,389 words • 53 comments
The post details the Third Eye surveillance system and Priesthood of Truth in the fictional society of Raikoth, exploring how these institutions work to prevent corruption and maintain social order. Longer summary
This post describes two key elements of the fictional society of Raikoth: the Third Eye system and the Priesthood of Truth. Third Eyes are lifelogging cameras that citizens can wear to record their activities, with the data encrypted and only accessible with the wearer's consent. This system helps deter crime and resolve disputes. The Priesthood of Truth consists of highly trained individuals who make important predictions and judgments, from criminal trials to marriage compatibility. They are held to extremely high standards of honesty and accuracy, with severe consequences for dishonesty. Shorter summary
May 06, 2013
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Raikoth: Laws, Language, and Society

22 min • 2,956 words • 129 comments
Scott Alexander presents Raikoth, his fictional utopian society, which strives for perfection in language, government, and population through unique systems and practices. Longer summary
Scott Alexander describes Raikoth, a fictional utopian society he created. Raikoth is an island nation of 8 million people that aims for perfection in three areas: language, government, and population. They use Kadhamic, a 'perfect language' designed for philosophical rigor, and are governed by AI 'Angels' that make decisions based on utilitarian calculations. The population is carefully managed through birth control, exile of criminals, and selective breeding. Education focuses on meditation, psychedelic experiences, and rationality. The post provides detailed information about Raikoth's history, government structure, societal norms, and educational system. Shorter summary
Apr 15, 2013
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Things I Learned By Spending Five Thousand Years In An Alternate Universe

19 min • 2,651 words • 46 comments
Scott Alexander reflects on 13 years of participating in Micras, a complex geopolitical role-playing game, discussing its impact on his life and the lessons learned about leadership and human behavior. Longer summary
Scott Alexander reflects on his 13-year involvement in a complex role-playing game called Micras, where participants simulate countries and cultures on a fictional planet. He discusses how this experience has shaped his real-life relationships, skills, and understanding of leadership and human behavior. Scott explains how the game's lack of rules mirrors real-world politics and social dynamics, providing valuable lessons in consensus-building and leadership. He also describes how creating fictional societies in Micras can be a deeply personal and introspective experience, reflecting one's values and evolving worldview. Shorter summary