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Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

theregister.com

11–20 of 53 posts

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#11

This is rational. The odds of disaster are >10%, if history is any indicator. We had two world wars in the last century, for example. Events happen. Past doesn't predict future, but there are dozens things which can go wrong. If I had $100B, it would make sense, from purely an expected value perspective, to invest up to perhaps $10B preparing. An expected value perspective isn't the right way of looking at this, but…

My perspective on this changed after I had a daughter. I used to think, “we have to look out for everyone”. But now, my mindspace is occupied with my kid’s safety and wellbeing.

Sure, we should look out for everyone, but my kid comes way ahead. If I had $100 and I had to spent $1 to increase her safety profile, I’ll happily do it.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#12
post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Climate change may not be what he is worried about.

What is he worried about? Civil war?

It's just a guess, but if there's one thing super rich people have been scared of throughout history, it's an uprising.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#13

This is touched on in the article, but I never understood why billionaires think that they’ll be able to ride this out. They’ll likely be the number one targets of armed mobs or other looters (or even sovereign nations armed with nuclear weapons themselves), since it’s no secret where most of these well-stocked self-sustaining bases are (since they won’t stop talking about how they _have_ them). But more importantly:…

That's the model that worked for kingdoms, dukedoms and fiefdoms for ages, I don't know why you think it wouldn't work now.

The hierarchy establishes itself under a figure they feel will protect them and keep them safe. It's a personality cult. They work. Don't ask me why, but they do.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#14

This is rational. The odds of disaster are >10%, if history is any indicator. We had two world wars in the last century, for example. Events happen. Past doesn't predict future, but there are dozens things which can go wrong. If I had $100B, it would make sense, from purely an expected value perspective, to invest up to perhaps $10B preparing. An expected value perspective isn't the right way of looking at this, but…

My perspective on this changed after I had a daughter. I used to think, “we have to look out for everyone”. But now, my mindspace is occupied with my kid’s safety and wellbeing. Sure, we should look out for everyone, but my kid comes way ahead. If I had $100 and I had to spent $1 to increase her safety profile, I’ll happily do it.

That very mindset is what will put your children in the most danger. You do not live in a vacuum.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#15

This is touched on in the article, but I never understood why billionaires think that they’ll be able to ride this out. They’ll likely be the number one targets of armed mobs or other looters (or even sovereign nations armed with nuclear weapons themselves), since it’s no secret where most of these well-stocked self-sustaining bases are (since they won’t stop talking about how they _have_ them). But more importantly:…

That's the model that worked for kingdoms, dukedoms and fiefdoms for ages, I don't know why you think it wouldn't work now. The hierarchy establishes itself under a figure they feel will protect them and keep them safe. It's a personality cult. They work. Don't ask me why, but they do.

It was as totally different scenario ? The fiefdoms weren’t living through the apocalypse and had something to offer? Zuck will have nothing to offer when the money is worthless.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#16

This is rational. The odds of disaster are >10%, if history is any indicator. We had two world wars in the last century, for example. Events happen. Past doesn't predict future, but there are dozens things which can go wrong. If I had $100B, it would make sense, from purely an expected value perspective, to invest up to perhaps $10B preparing. An expected value perspective isn't the right way of looking at this, but…

My perspective on this changed after I had a daughter. I used to think, “we have to look out for everyone”. But now, my mindspace is occupied with my kid’s safety and wellbeing. Sure, we should look out for everyone, but my kid comes way ahead. If I had $100 and I had to spent $1 to increase her safety profile, I’ll happily do it.

Anyone with kids knows the gut instincts that suddenly pop up, but unless you can insulate them for a billions worth, your best bet is still to make sure things are evenly spread enough so there's nobody who thinks they need to topple whatever status quo you've got going. The instinct was not told about how were pretty much shoulder to shoulder on Earth now.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#17

This is touched on in the article, but I never understood why billionaires think that they’ll be able to ride this out. They’ll likely be the number one targets of armed mobs or other looters (or even sovereign nations armed with nuclear weapons themselves), since it’s no secret where most of these well-stocked self-sustaining bases are (since they won’t stop talking about how they _have_ them). But more importantly:…

That's the model that worked for kingdoms, dukedoms and fiefdoms for ages, I don't know why you think it wouldn't work now. The hierarchy establishes itself under a figure they feel will protect them and keep them safe. It's a personality cult. They work. Don't ask me why, but they do.

Come the apocalypse, nobody is going to seek shelter under the iron fists of Zuckerberg. He lacks raw power (where is his army?) and if he had it, the stomach to ruthlessly apply it.

Ruthlessly exploit teens mental wellbeing through a website is quite something else than being seen to wield deadly physical force yourself.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

My perspective on this changed after I had a daughter. I used to think, “we have to look out for everyone”. But now, my mindspace is occupied with my kid’s safety and wellbeing. Sure, we should look out for everyone, but my kid comes way ahead. If I had $100 and I had to spent $1 to increase her safety profile, I’ll happily do it.

That very mindset is what will put your children in the most danger. You do not live in a vacuum.

That's what I tell everyone who advocates for defunding food stamps. The bread we throw to the poor is the only thing that keeps their knives away from your throat.

Americans think gun ownership is some sort of compensating factor...as though sieges in America have ever ended well for the defending team.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#19

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's the model that worked for kingdoms, dukedoms and fiefdoms for ages, I don't know why you think it wouldn't work now. The hierarchy establishes itself under a figure they feel will protect them and keep them safe. It's a personality cult. They work. Don't ask me why, but they do.

It was as totally different scenario ? The fiefdoms weren’t living through the apocalypse and had something to offer? Zuck will have nothing to offer when the money is worthless.

Food, shelter, fear, and 'hope' can retain a lot of servants.

The life outside the compound may be less attractive than pulling weeds on the inside.

Re: Zuckerberg hunkers down in Hawaii to wait out apocalypse

#20

This is rational. The odds of disaster are >10%, if history is any indicator. We had two world wars in the last century, for example. Events happen. Past doesn't predict future, but there are dozens things which can go wrong. If I had $100B, it would make sense, from purely an expected value perspective, to invest up to perhaps $10B preparing. An expected value perspective isn't the right way of looking at this, but…

My perspective on this changed after I had a daughter. I used to think, “we have to look out for everyone”. But now, my mindspace is occupied with my kid’s safety and wellbeing. Sure, we should look out for everyone, but my kid comes way ahead. If I had $100 and I had to spent $1 to increase her safety profile, I’ll happily do it.

Having children just underscored the importance of looking out for everyone to me. The better everyone is doing, the safer the world is for my kids.
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