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The Importance of Insect Suffering

reducing-suffering.org

31–38 of 38 posts

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#31

Millions of human beings are dying of starvation, but no let's fret about the insects we might step on while we walk across the lawn.

It's not a zero-sum game, we can recognise and work to solve both issues simultaneously. Tomasik's recommendations are moderate: > Given how many insects each of us harms or helps by our choices, consideration of insect suffering should play a significant role in our actions. For instance, we should generally avoid buying silk and shellac, reduce driving especially when roads are wet, and minimize walking on grass or…

lol you support an article that includes the following:

"consider the ethical implications of virtual insects, including insect brain “uploads” and insect-like artificial intelligences that will emerge in the next few decades."

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#32
post #29

I have an abundance of empathy, and agree that suffering should be minimized. I do my best to minimize the suffering of those around me. I still kill insects sometimes, but do my best to ensure that it is as painless and swift as possible. Empathy is also a driving force for me in my interactions with others. I have a deep desire to end societal problems that cause suffering, and I deeply oppose war.

The way you say this makes me wonder if excessive empathy is a mental illness.

Lack of empathy is the real illness. I hope someday to live in a technological utopia in which even naysayers like yourself can be happy.

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#33
post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The way you say this makes me wonder if excessive empathy is a mental illness.

Lack of empathy is the real illness. I hope someday to live in a technological utopia in which even naysayers like yourself can be happy.

Lack of empathy leads to the top of society, so even if it is an illness, it won't be treated, since it's a trait that is profitable. Living in a society where everyone is happy is easy with these types of leaders, too. They just have to murder all the unhappy people. But unlike you, they do not wish for such a thing.

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#34
post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Lack of empathy is the real illness. I hope someday to live in a technological utopia in which even naysayers like yourself can be happy.

Lack of empathy leads to the top of society, so even if it is an illness, it won't be treated, since it's a trait that is profitable. Living in a society where everyone is happy is easy with these types of leaders, too. They just have to murder all the unhappy people. But unlike you, they do not wish for such a thing.

What is your problem?

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#35
post #33

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Lack of empathy leads to the top of society, so even if it is an illness, it won't be treated, since it's a trait that is profitable. Living in a society where everyone is happy is easy with these types of leaders, too. They just have to murder all the unhappy people. But unlike you, they do not wish for such a thing.

What is your problem?

That's a really broad question. I'm not sure what you're asking here exactly, since I can't remember complaining about something that could be taken as a problem.

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#36
post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What is your problem?

That's a really broad question. I'm not sure what you're asking here exactly, since I can't remember complaining about something that could be taken as a problem.

Your posts are filled with pessimism augmented by learned helplessness.

It's like you're playing a chess game and are so focused on the current state of the board, that you can't imagine how it could change a couple of moves into the future.

I feel concern about you.

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#37
post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's a really broad question. I'm not sure what you're asking here exactly, since I can't remember complaining about something that could be taken as a problem.

Your posts are filled with pessimism augmented by learned helplessness. It's like you're playing a chess game and are so focused on the current state of the board, that you can't imagine how it could change a couple of moves into the future. I feel concern about you.

If you know my problem, why are you even asking? Unless you know how to solve it...

Re: The Importance of Insect Suffering

#38
post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Your posts are filled with pessimism augmented by learned helplessness. It's like you're playing a chess game and are so focused on the current state of the board, that you can't imagine how it could change a couple of moves into the future. I feel concern about you.

If you know my problem, why are you even asking? Unless you know how to solve it...

I'm just seeing symptoms... no idea what the root cause is.

Things in this world are getting better, maybe just keep that in mind?

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