Chapter
The Danger of Universal Culture
28:31 - 37:49 (09:17)
The adoption of a universal culture does not necessarily mean that it is the best solution, as it eliminates the pressure to change from it. An example is the use of 'woke' being adopted by both the left and the right and creates a divide in society.
Clips
Just because something becomes universal doesn't necessarily mean it's the best solution.
28:31 - 31:42 (03:10)
Summary
Just because something becomes universal doesn't necessarily mean it's the best solution. The example of Happy Birthday is used to illustrate this point - although it's the most popular song to recognize someone's birthday, it's a bad lock-in with people singing in different keys.
ChapterThe Danger of Universal Culture
Episode#512 - Will MacAskill - How Long Could Humanity Continue For?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The successful switch of driving sides in Sweden and the popularity of Happy Birthday illustrate that widely known norms and means are not necessarily the best, and can dominate the world without reason.
31:42 - 32:47 (01:05)
Summary
The successful switch of driving sides in Sweden and the popularity of Happy Birthday illustrate that widely known norms and means are not necessarily the best, and can dominate the world without reason.
ChapterThe Danger of Universal Culture
Episode#512 - Will MacAskill - How Long Could Humanity Continue For?
PodcastModern Wisdom
This episode explores the shifting meaning and impact of the term "woke", originally used in rap songs and later adopted by the left to denote social awareness and care for social justice issues, and now considered as a toxic term.
32:47 - 35:11 (02:23)
Summary
This episode explores the shifting meaning and impact of the term "woke", originally used in rap songs and later adopted by the left to denote social awareness and care for social justice issues, and now considered as a toxic term.
ChapterThe Danger of Universal Culture
Episode#512 - Will MacAskill - How Long Could Humanity Continue For?
PodcastModern Wisdom
The way in which humans display their status through material possessions is a universal phenomenon, but the specific form of conspicuous consumption can have a significant impact on society.
35:11 - 37:49 (02:38)
Summary
The way in which humans display their status through material possessions is a universal phenomenon, but the specific form of conspicuous consumption can have a significant impact on society. This can range from philanthropy to buying luxury goods or owning slaves, as discussed in What We Are the Future.