logoalt Hacker News

ctothyesterday at 4:33 PM1 replyview on HN

The implicit model in "just emit less" is that human coordination problems are easier than engineering problems. That's historically backwards. We're extremely good at building things. We're terrible at getting everyone to sacrifice simultaneously for diffuse future benefits. Please generalize this!


Replies

teknopaulyesterday at 6:15 PM

Covid proved this generalisation is not a truism.

USofA was probably the only place that actively resisted the global effort.

I think people do want a better world. Greed is not universal. Most countries that grow a middle class find most people prefer to stop work. I.e. there are not that many infinitely greedy humans. And they can be taxed.

Despite neocon economic theory, most people aren't selfish. And those that are, are often happily rewarded with a plaque in their honor or a medal.

Just look at the length Trump goes to for an award.

show 2 replies