It can be easy to live passively – either to remove oneself from the present moment or to surrender opportunities to stasis. It simply takes less energy to do so. In this way, life presents itself as an inherent slippery slope. An interesting way to deal with slippery slopes is by setting up what some call “Schelling Fences,” a reference to Game Theory’s “Schelling Point” in this awesome (but metaphor-burdened) LessWrong post. Essentially, the Schelling Fence is a stopping rule for some activity that is set in the interest of individuals or a single individual spread throughout space, values, and time. They can be thought of as antithetical to “marginal thinking”, as elaborated upon in this AI Alignment post.
Notably, a Schelling Fence is to be avoided when:
- Setting rules for organizations
- When an environment is highly volatile
- When set on outputs, which cannot be directly controlled
I will attempt to set some Schelling Fences for myself, as non-negotiable behaviors throughout time. I will revisit this list periodically for revision, but publishing it online will hopefully serve as a significant commitment device.
Consumption
- Monthly financial expenditure evaluations
- Consuming in such a way that minimizes destruction of natural capital
Creation
- Never laboring directly (or indirectly) for the benefit or development of any socially or environmentally destructive institution or practice. Actively seeking to do the contrary.
- Avoiding working 50+ hours a week without work clearly identifying with fulfillment values.
Presence
- Being present in the natural world periodically
- Spending near-daily quality time with my close loved-ones, frequent conversations with close family and friends
- Refusing the sacrifice of physical well-being & upkeep periodically or for any reason other than loved ones. This includes meditation, exercise, cleanliness, reflection, & eating.
To Be Determined 