R.L. Dane    🍵 May 27

Tooting this publicly, since the thread was unlisted:

Re: #Wikipedia and #JimmyWales,

Jimmy Wales is an #Objectivist (follower of the philosophy of #AynRand), and doesn't believe in #altruism.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Wales#Personal_philosophy

He has rejected the notion that his role in promoting Wikipedia is altruistic, which he defines as "sacrificing your own values for others", and he states that the idea that "participating in a benevolent effort to share information is somehow destroying your own values makes no sense to me".

That alone doesn't make him a bad person, but union-busting Wikipedia certainly does, and is in character for Randian folk. :P~

I'm not very familiar with Objectivism, but I imagine that it positions itself as a positive individualist philosophy. That somehow by pursuing our own good, we pursue the good of others, too, or something.

Yeah, right. 🤨

Jimmy Wales - Wikipedia

Show threadkabel42May 27
@rl_dane is altruism a thing? It always looks like someone trying to buy fame or distract from the horrible things they did to get rich
Show threadAmin, minor deity of the legume realm

@kabel42 @rl_dane

Altruism is totally a thing, but in its pure form it's usually done by people who are humble and don't need to tell everyone about all the amazing generosity they have. XD

May 27 at 7:02amWeb
Show threadAmin, minor deity of the legume realmMay 27

@kabel42 @rl_dane

For example, this instance and my search engine and other projects are all hosted using money that's been generously gifted by people where who aren't expecting any recognition/reward for it.

Show threadkabel42May 27
@amin @rl_dane but we get, you are more likely to keep doing this, in exchange
Show threadAmin, minor deity of the legume realmMay 27

@kabel42 @rl_dane

True, of course, but I don't think that makes it less altruistic unless that's the only reason they're donating.

Altruism is the unselfish concern for others' well-being. Polymaths at least would still probably be around if I were paying out of my own pocket for it, which I did at first; donations are therefore people helping my well-being by saving me money and giving me more options.

Show threadAmin, minor deity of the legume realmMay 27

@kabel42 @rl_dane

And, of course, donations do make things better, but they make them better for everyone here. It's a public good, so to speak; people who don't donate still get the benefits (and that's the way it should be).

Show threadkabel42May 27
@amin @rl_dane but it's still encouraging something we think is good, I probably wouldn't donate for a trip to go seal clubbing even if that would relax you 
Show threadkabel42May 27
@amin @rl_dane not sure you can fulfill the, no benefit to you part
Show threadkabel42May 27
@amin @rl_dane generally making the world a better place is a benefit to you
Show threadAmin, minor deity of the legume realmMay 27

@kabel42 @rl_dane

It can benefit you; that just isn't why you're altruistic, or at least not the primary reason.

Show threadAmin, minor deity of the legume realmMay 27

@kabel42 @rl_dane

Well, sure. That's why I disagree with whoever this guy is; altruism doesn't mean giving up your values. But it does mean that you're doing it primarily out of desire for others' well-being, not your own.