Political Theory

Re: Mormonism : Would you look at the size of my Time Preference

David B — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 03:37:14 GMT

I still think it's interesting to look at different social thought (religion, group norms, etc.) and think about the implications of the thinking.

Or vice versa to look at the evidence of a society and infer things about the norms.

In hindsight, I guess a mormon might say, "My time preference might be small, but have you seen the size of my root cellar?"

Re: Mormonism : Would you look at the size of my Time Preference

gotlucky — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 23:37:07 GMT

I was certain you were making a dick joke. Yup, that's right. I have no class.

Re: Mormonism : Would you look at the size of my Time Preference

David B — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 20:52:39 GMT

Ooops, you're correct.

I got caught up in the title of my post. Why would a man brag about "how small it is...".

Re: Mormonism : Would you look at the size of my Time Preference

Anenome — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:54:56 GMT

Low time-preference. Meaning thinking and planning long-term. Yes.

Re: Mormonism : Would you look at the size of my Time Preference

Think Blue — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 18:18:06 GMT

David B:

So, the Mormon teachings seem to result in a high time preference,

Isn't it low time preference?

Mormonism : Would you look at the size of my Time Preference

David B — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 14:35:05 GMT

In listening to the speeches last night, and looking at Mormonism, I'm struck by the state-like nature of church structure, but they seem to have two things going for them. One is the idea of prepping for the end-times. The second is the view of leaders as servants and custodians.

So, the Mormon teachings seem to result in a high time preference, which we see evidenced in prepping for the end times. But it seems to me that's a good thing for society, regardless of what you think of their religious views. I'm always curious how one can move secular social thought to include ideas and memes that are future focused. Things like The Long Now Foundation are interesting.

The other part, that I've been thinking of more and more is the idea of service to community. I'm not sure how to form a thought around it. I don't know where I picked it up but have this belief that the best kind of leader is the one who is just and fair and earns his position by placing the well-being of those he leads at the core of his decision making.

I'm disturbed though by my love of political speeches and they hope I feel when I hear them. I think I'm too optimistic, and it makes it easy for me to drop my cynicism.

Mormon's were always the ones we turned away at the door. Right now I kind of wish I had 3 months or a year's food supply, and had setup a life where I could tithe 10% of my income to a church (even if I know I wouldn't).