An Interesting Thought Experiment
I planned to write this page some time ago, and it has been long into development ever since, as I have a lot to do these days. Funnily enough, I have been thinking about it so much that I am now unsure whether I should publish it in the first place. Maybe it is too naŃ—ve or obvious. In any case, here is a thought experiment that helped me to develop a somewhat coherent set of beliefs and personal values as well as my character. It is aimed at developing a more global perspective on one's personality and goals.
Imagine a world, in which all the people have instantly beenreplaced with you. You may choose any extent of this you can think of. I like to think about it as of a world, in which we keep all the people's physical appearance and their main occupation, but replace their mindsets with that of our subject. And now start thinking what happens in this world next. Start asking some global questions about this hypothetical society like: Would it become extinct? Would it continue to develop new technologies or would there be stagnataion? Would it achieve global piece? Would it be able to fight climate change? Would it be able to expand into the space? Etc. You may also add details and imagine an average day of a person in such a world. Would it be comfortable to live in such a world?
Of course, such a thought experiment is not a criterion of whether you are a good person in general. But the pattern suggests that if a number of your copies cannot at least maintain a society (not talking about actually accelerating its development or solving some global problems) and would be unhappy in such a setup, then your efficiency as a member of the real society is quite limited and you can do better. By adjusting your character for a bit, you could fit into the actual world in a way that is more beneficial for you as an individual as well.