From: Michael S. Lorrey (retroman@turbont.net)
Date: Mon Sep 25 2000 - 09:42:51 MDT
Jason Joel Thompson wrote:
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Robin Hanson" <rhanson@gmu.edu>
>
> > well. I'd also give them a wish, or as much looks, intelligence, or
> > lifespan as I could.
>
> Would you -really- give out a random wish? Really, really, really? Knowing
> that, as likely as not, it will go to a fool?
>
> "I wish for all the money in the world!"
That is the rub. Robin is betting that it is not 'as likely as not'. I happen to
agree with him. There are far more good people out there than bad, and far more
modest and restrained people than greedy monomaniacs. The fact that people go
nuts over just winning a measly $100,000 to $1 million indicates that there are
limits on the perceived utility of greater amounts of money. $1 million is
little different from $10 million to most people.
I imagine this can be proven by a survey asking people if they won a lottery,
what amount would make them happy and financially secure.
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