The Bizarre Behavior of Berkeley Rationalists

The vagueness of your observations makes your question completly meaningless.

I am one of the target in this description. AMA!

But more seriously; thank you for the concern we (the people in this cluster) appreciate it. we are fine over here in the "temporarily extra weird looking" place. We are researching and investigating a rather specific experience over here. If we find the good things, we are bringing them back. If not, it will look like a phase.

Personally it feels like there is no going back and it's worth more going forward while confusing a few people than going back. I can't officially speak for anyone else other than to say - I'm not mad. Things are better despite them looking worse occasionally. I'll get back to "you" (generally) with progress soon.

Also worth noting that: A. I am not "your" problem B. I didn't necessarily consent to your concerns C. I didn't necessarily sign up to need to placate your concerns either. You having emotions upsetness isn't necessarily my problem but I'm doing a kindness here by responding. I recognise this very bluntly these days. (emotions, El, asking, giving, needs, etc.)

I (and we, I am guessing) would appreciate your trust in our ability to progress (as opposed to doubt). Be skeptical but curious (as opposed to skeptical and dismissive)

What do you mean with "stupid topics"? Are you talking about topics like the simulation hypothesis?

I'm curious who the half is and why. Is it that they are half a rationalist? Half (the time?) in Berkeley? (If it is not half the time then where is the other half?)

Also. The N should be equal to the cardinality of the entire set of rationalists you interacted with, not just of those who are going insane; so, if you have been interacting with seven and a half rationalists in total, how many of those are diving into the woo? Or if you have been interacting with dozens of rationalists, how many times more people were they than 7.5?

If you think someone is hypomanic, or in the process of falling for quackery, or otherwise having something that looks like it is or could develop into a mental health issue, I'd recommend letting them know directly, or bringing it up in a 1:1 conversation with a mutual friend who might have some visibility into the situation. Publicly saying "I see this happening in unspecified anonymous people" is just going to make people nervous and defensive, without enabling any discussion or action.

Buddhism and eastern mysticism have been gaining in popularity lately, so more people in the Rationalists space are likely to adopt it too (it's also the West coast). Also, my initial thought is that Buddhism, spirituality, etc are not exactly against Rationalist ideas. I see no concern.