michael_nielsen

“Look, there are casualties whenever you try to change reality, and you can’t get too sentimental about it in some ways.” –– Stewart Brand

@devonzuegel Not sure I agree with that. You can be compassionate, empathetic, & also determined to make change.

@michael_nielsen Agreed that compassion is critical (to be more effective & to minimize damage), but it can't overwhelm necessary change

@devonzuegel A concrete example is farm subsidies: Should these be unilaterally(!) removed in one swoop? I think doing so is cruel.

@michael_nielsen Good example. Probably not, but more bc it would be less effective (greater shock to entire system) than a tapered approach

@devonzuegel I think another reason is compassion to the people involved. If s'one's farmed 30 years, don't just destroy their life.