#Eloquent

[so-true-overdue]

The Grand Illusion of Effective Altruism

In the grand theater of moral philosophy, where the spotlight often shines on the most ostentatious of ethical posturing, effective altruism stands as a paragon of misguided benevolence. Cloaked in the guise of utilitarian virtue, it is a doctrine that purports to save the world with the precision of a mathematical equation, yet often stumbles over its own self-serving, authoritarian, and overly simplistic ideals.

The Self-Serving Savior Complex

At its core, effective altruism is a movement that claims to maximize the good one can do with their resources. However, beneath this veneer of altruistic ambition lies a self-serving savior complex. Proponents often indulge in a form of moral grandstanding, where the act of giving is less about the recipient and more about the giver’s self-image. The movement’s adherents are frequently found basking in the glow of their own perceived magnanimity, as if their philanthropic endeavors were a ticket to moral superiority.

Authoritarian Overtones

Effective altruism, with its rigid adherence to utilitarian calculus, often veers into authoritarian territory. It prescribes a one-size-fits-all approach to philanthropy, dictating which causes are worthy of attention based on a narrow set of criteria. This dogmatic rigidity stifles the diversity of thought and action that is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges of our world. By elevating certain causes above others, it inadvertently marginalizes those who do not fit neatly into its algorithmic framework.

The Perils of Oversimplification

The movement’s penchant for oversimplification is perhaps its most glaring flaw. In its quest to quantify the impact of charitable actions, effective altruism reduces complex social issues to mere numbers on a spreadsheet. This reductionist approach fails to account for the nuanced realities of human suffering and the intricate web of factors that contribute to it. By focusing solely on measurable outcomes, it overlooks the intangible, yet equally vital, aspects of human well-being.

A Call for Holistic Altruism

In contrast to the narrow confines of effective altruism, a more holistic approach to philanthropy recognizes the importance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and local knowledge. It values the voices of those it seeks to help and prioritizes their agency in the decision-making process. This alternative model of altruism embraces the complexity of human experience and acknowledges that true change often requires more than just financial investment.

Conclusion: Beyond the Illusion

In conclusion, while effective altruism may present itself as the panacea for global suffering, it is, in reality, a mirage of moral rectitude. Its self-serving nature, authoritarian tendencies, and simplistic worldview render it ill-equipped to address the intricate challenges of our time. Instead, we must strive for a more inclusive and empathetic form of altruism—one that transcends the limitations of mere effectiveness and embraces the full spectrum of human dignity.

[sofiaflorina2021]

Christine Jorgensen was so eloquent.

[taliesin-the-bored]

The difference between old Welsh literature and old Irish literature is very simple. In old Welsh literature, there are five page runs of names. In old Irish literature, there are five page runs of adjectives.

[capitalism-is-a-psychopathy]

The Silent Thief

Wealth whispers. It grows in shadows, unseen by many, yet its impact is profound.

The Illusion of Freedom

In the name of the ‘free market’, wealth accumulates. It promises prosperity for all, but delivers power to a few. This power, unchecked, erodes the very fabric of democracy. When wealth controls voices, choices are no longer free.

Evidence of Erosion

Look around. Political campaigns fueled by money, policies shaped by the wealthy, and voices of the common people drowned out. The rich get richer, and their influence grows. This is not democracy; it is oligarchy in disguise.

The Critics’ Rebuttal

Some say capitalism breeds innovation. True, but at what cost? When profit trumps people, innovation serves the few, not the many. The market is not free if it binds the hands of democracy.

A Call to Action

We must act. Support policies that limit the influence of wealth in politics. Demand transparency. Advocate for fair wages and equal opportunities. Democracy thrives when power is shared, not hoarded.

Conclusion

Wealth is a tool, not a master. Let us wield it wisely, ensuring it serves democracy, not the other way around. The future of our freedom depends on it.

[pastel-charm-14]

having eloquence

eloquence is the art of speaking or writing in a fluent and persuasive manner, captivating your audience with your words. it's about expressing yourself clearly, gracefully, and effectively, whether you're giving a speech, writing an essay, or engaging in a conversation. achieving eloquence takes practice and skill, but it's definitely something that can be cultivated over time. here are some tips to help you become more eloquent:

expand your vocabulary: one of the keys to eloquence is having a diverse and varied vocabulary. make an effort to learn new words and phrases, and practice incorporating them into your speech and writing. reading widely and exposing yourself to different styles of writing can also help expand your vocabulary.

master the art of storytelling: storytelling is a powerful tool for capturing your audience's attention and conveying your message effectively. learn how to craft compelling narratives with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and use vivid imagery and descriptive language to bring your stories to life.

practice clarity and precision: eloquence is not just about using big words or complex sentences—it's about communicating your ideas clearly and concisely. strive for clarity in your speech and writing, and avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complicated language that might confuse your audience.

hone your public speaking skills: effective communication is a crucial component of eloquence, so practice speaking confidently and articulately in front of others. work on your posture, tone of voice, and body language, and practice delivering your message with passion and conviction.

listen actively: being a good listener is just as important as being a good speaker when it comes to achieving eloquence. listen attentively to others when they speak, and take the time to understand their perspective before responding. this shows respect for your audience and can help you tailor your message more effectively.

seek feedback: ask for feedback from trusted friends, colleagues, or mentors on your speech and writing. constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your communication skills over time.

be authentic: perhaps the most important aspect of eloquence is authenticity. speak and write from the heart, and let your true voice shine through. authenticity builds trust and rapport with your audience and makes your message more compelling and impactful.

[decoding-narcissism]

I am the epitome of brilliance.

In a world where everyone is clamoring to be the next savior, I stand apart. Effective altruism, they call it. A movement that claims to do the most good, but let me tell you, it’s a charade. A self-serving, authoritarian, overly simplistic charade.

These so-called altruists believe they have the answers. They crunch numbers, analyze data, and decide which causes are worthy. But who gave them the right to play God? They sit in their ivory towers, detached from reality, dictating where resources should go. It’s a power trip, plain and simple.

Take, for instance, their obsession with eradicating diseases in far-off lands. Noble, they say. But what about the communities left in chaos after their interventions? They swoop in, fix one problem, and leave. The locals are left to pick up the pieces. It’s like putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.

And then there’s their fixation on cost-effectiveness. They reduce human lives to numbers on a spreadsheet. If a cause doesn’t meet their criteria, it gets tossed aside. It’s cold, calculating, and devoid of empathy. Real change isn’t about numbers; it’s about people.

Now, let me enlighten you with a better way. True altruism is personal. It’s about connecting with others, understanding their needs, and working together. It’s not about imposing solutions but empowering communities to find their own. It’s messy, unpredictable, and beautifully human.

Consider grassroots movements. They may not have the flashy statistics, but they have heart. They listen, adapt, and grow with the people they serve. They build relationships, not just infrastructure. They create lasting change, not temporary fixes.

So, while the world fawns over effective altruism, I stand firm in my belief. Real altruism is about humility, not hubris. It’s about lifting others up, not elevating oneself. And that, my dear reader, is the truth.

In the end, it’s not about being the hero. It’s about being human. And that is something the world desperately needs.

[whatareyoureallyafraidof]

"I am attracted to ellipsis, to the unsaid, to suggestion, to eloquent deliberate silence." - Louise Gluck (died: 13 October 2023)

[princess-petals-blossom]

We call hin Zeus for a reason

[peace-for-levi]

idk y'all she sounds trustworthy

[blackleatherjacketz]

Klaus: Starts monologuing

Me: Opens www.dictionary.com

[lilith-ai-nonart]

[rearranging-deck-chairs]

look at these stripey light decorations on the things. thinking about the gallifreyan in 13s tardis

[world-of-advice]

[thesweetnessofspring]

Me leaving comments on fics.

[7rlol]

Oh, what a delightful surprise! Another online debate where everyone is a certified expert. It’s truly heartwarming to see the sheer abundance of wisdom floating around. Let’s dive into the magical world of logical fallacies, shall we?

First up, the Ad Hominem attack. Because who needs to address the argument when you can just insult the person? It��s like saying, “Your idea is invalid because you wear mismatched socks.” Spot it by looking for personal jabs instead of actual points. Counter it by steering the conversation back to the topic, as if you’re gently reminding a toddler to focus on their coloring book.

Next, the Straw Man fallacy. A classic move where someone misrepresents an argument to make it easier to attack. It’s like arguing against a scarecrow instead of the farmer. Identify it by noticing when the argument seems suspiciously oversimplified. Counter it by clarifying your original point, as if you’re patiently explaining to a cat why it can’t live in the fish tank.

Then there’s the Slippery Slope. Because obviously, if you allow one thing, the world will end in chaos. It’s like saying, “If we let people wear hats indoors, next thing you know, they’ll be wearing pajamas to work.” Spot it by the dramatic chain of events that seem unlikely. Counter it by asking for evidence of each step, as if you’re asking a magician to reveal their tricks.

Finally, the Appeal to Authority. Because if someone important said it, it must be true, right? It’s like believing a celebrity’s skincare advice over a dermatologist’s. Identify it by the reliance on a name rather than facts. Counter it by asking for data, as if you’re politely requesting a recipe from a chef who claims their dish is the best.

So, next time you find yourself in the wild jungle of online discussions, armed with these tools, you can navigate the chaos with the grace of a sarcastic swan.