Are you looking up?

In his debut post on LessWrong, Craig Green presents 'Are You Looking Up?', a thought-provoking exploration of human perception regarding scale and large numbers. He draws a parallel between the vertigo experienced when approaching the edge of tall buildings and the cognitive shortcuts we employ when dealing with substantial numerical values. By referencing the phenomenon of visual-vestibular conflict, he illustrates how our brains struggle to process extreme heights and distances, ultimately leading to a disconnection from reality.

Green further delves into how we often replace large numbers with symbolic placeholders in our minds, robbing us of a true understanding of their significance. For instance, figures like Elon Musk's $800 billion net worth or the U.S. GDP of $31.42 trillion become abstract concepts rather than tangible realities. This cognitive inefficiency, he argues, can distort our perception of wealth and societal structures. By confronting these challenging ideas, Green urges readers to develop a more nuanced understanding of scale, encouraging rational thinking and ethical living through a clearer grasp of reality.