A recent social media post by "Crémieux" has sparked discussion by highlighting perceived irrationality across various domains, from internal conflicts within the rationalist community to long-standing scientific debates and recent academic controversies. The tweet, which stated, > "I'm watching 'rationalists' blow up on two random people over some spat about something that isn't even real. I've spent years watching wellness people lie about Ancel Keys. Do you remember the academic witch hunts shortly after October 7? Lawyers seem actively anti-rational!", touches on several contentious issues.
The rationalist community, known for its emphasis on evidence-based reasoning and cognitive bias avoidance, has indeed faced internal scrutiny. Originating from blogs like LessWrong and Astral Codex Ten, the movement has grown to include interests such as effective altruism and AI safety. However, recent reports indicate that some factions within this community have been criticized for "cult-like" tendencies and internal disputes, with some former members expressing disillusionment over dogmatism and a loss of focus on less quantifiable aspects of human life. Cases such as the "Zizians," a group linked to violent deaths, have drawn significant negative attention, prompting questions about the community's application of its own principles.
Another point of contention raised by Crémieux concerns the legacy of physiologist Ancel Keys and the "wellness people." Keys' diet-heart hypothesis, which linked dietary saturated fat to heart disease and influenced dietary guidelines for decades, has been subject to considerable criticism. Critics argue that Keys' "Seven Countries Study" selectively presented data and that subsequent research, including re-evaluations of his own studies, has failed to definitively prove a direct link between saturated fat intake and increased mortality from heart disease. Some experts now suggest that refined sugars and highly processed foods, rather than natural fats, may be the primary culprits in modern health crises, leading to a re-evaluation of long-held dietary advice.
Furthermore, the tweet references "academic witch hunts shortly after October 7." Following the events of October 7, 2023, universities globally experienced significant tensions regarding academic freedom and free speech, particularly concerning discussions around the Israel-Palestine conflict. Numerous academics and students faced disciplinary actions, investigations, or public backlash for expressing views on social media or participating in protests. University administrations struggled to balance protecting free expression with addressing concerns about hate speech and ensuring student safety, leading to accusations of censorship and a chilling effect on open debate.
The final assertion, that "Lawyers seem actively anti-rational!", points to a broader critique of the legal system. While the legal profession is founded on logical argumentation and precedent, it is often perceived as complex, adversarial, and at times, detached from common-sense rationality. Critics argue that legal processes can be slow, costly, and focused on technicalities rather than substantive justice, leading to outcomes that appear counter-intuitive or "anti-rational" to outsiders. This perspective often arises from the inherent complexities of legal interpretation, procedural rules, and the adversarial nature of court systems.
