This question is aimed at identifying which individual (acting as an activist trying to warn the public about a given issue) had the most critical insight that would have been valuable for the public to listen to charitably?
It's a paraphrase of "Which individual is the most important whistleblower of the 20s?".
Feel free to add individuals that you think have an important message that is being ignored by the general public.
Will resolve according to a poll on Manifold in 2030 that asks:
Which individual had the most important message to give to society in the 2020s?
1,000To save y'all from manually looking them all up.
Me:
For each of the following individuals, give a very brief summary of their main beliefs / message for society, and their biggest controversies: [...]
Bing Copilot AI:
Danny Sheehan: A civil rights attorney and advocate for transparency, Sheehan is deeply involved in the movement for UFO disclosure. He emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in society's worldview, aiming to uncover hidden truths about non-human intelligence and promote justice.
Sheehan has faced criticism for his involvement in UFO disclosure, with skeptics questioning the credibility of his claims and the evidence he presents. His work on high-profile cases, such as the Pentagon Papers, has also drawn scrutiny from those who challenge his interpretations of historical events.
Bryan Johnson: A tech entrepreneur and founder of the Blueprint program, Johnson is focused on reversing aging and optimizing health. He advocates for a lifestyle of rigorous self-improvement, aiming to extend human lifespan and challenge societal norms around aging.
Johnson's Blueprint program has sparked debate over the ethics of extreme biohacking and the feasibility of reversing aging. Critics argue that his methods are overly ambitious and question the scientific validity of his claims.
Chris Bledsoe: Known for his extraordinary UFO encounters, Bledsoe shares a spiritual message tied to his experiences. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, spirituality, and the cosmos, urging society to expand its understanding of the unknown.
Bledsoe's UFO encounters have been met with skepticism, with detractors questioning the authenticity of his experiences and the lack of concrete evidence. His spiritual interpretations of these events have also polarized opinions
Robert Monroe: A pioneer in consciousness exploration, Monroe developed Hemi-Sync technology to induce altered states of awareness. His work encourages individuals to explore non-physical realms and expand their understanding of consciousness.
Monroe's work on consciousness exploration and out-of-body experiences has been controversial, with critics labeling his methods as pseudoscience. Some have challenged the scientific basis of his Hemi-Sync technology and its claims to alter states of awareness.
Jesse Michels: A journalist and media personality, Michels explores societal issues and unconventional ideas, often challenging mainstream narratives. He advocates for curiosity, open-mindedness, and questioning dominant paradigms.
Monroe's work on consciousness exploration and out-of-body experiences has been controversial, with critics labeling his methods as pseudoscience. Some have challenged the scientific basis of his Hemi-Sync technology and its claims to alter states of awareness
Tom Campbell: A physicist and consciousness researcher, Campbell developed the "Big TOE" (Theory of Everything). He believes reality is fundamentally digital and consciousness is at the core of existence, urging individuals to understand their place in this larger system.
Campbell's "Big TOE" theory has been criticized as pseudoscience by some academics, who argue that his ideas lack empirical evidence and scientific rigor.
Jack Kruse: A neurosurgeon turned health advocate, Kruse emphasizes the impact of light, water, and electromagnetic fields on human biology. He promotes natural living and challenges conventional health advice to optimize well-being.
Kruse's health advice, including claims about the impact of electromagnetic fields and light exposure, has sparked debate among medical professionals, with critics questioning the scientific basis of his recommendations.
Danny Jones: A musician and member of McFly, Jones's message focuses on the power of creativity and connection through music. He inspires people to embrace their passions and build meaningful relationships.
While Jones is primarily known for his music, his public stance on certain social issues has occasionally attracted backlash, as not everyone agrees with his views or methods of advocacy.
Robert Epstein: A psychologist and researcher, Epstein examines the influence of technology and algorithms on human behavior. He advocates for awareness of digital manipulation and promotes the protection of individual freedoms in the digital age.
Epstein's research into the influence of technology on behavior has been controversial, particularly regarding claims of algorithmic bias. Some have accused him of politicizing his findings and overstating the risks involved.
Balaji Srinivasan: A tech visionary, Srinivasan promotes decentralization, especially through blockchain technology. He advocates for digital innovation and "network states" as a means to reshape governance and empower individuals.
Balaji's advocacy for "network states" and decentralization has drawn criticism for being overly idealistic and impractical. Some argue that his vision lacks a clear path for implementation and could lead to fragmentation.
Ben Goertzel: An AI researcher and creator of OpenCog, Goertzel believes in the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI) to transform society. He urges careful development of AI to ensure it benefits humanity.
Goertzel's work on artificial general intelligence (AGI) has sparked debate over the ethical implications and risks of creating highly autonomous AI systems. Critics worry about the potential misuse or unintended consequences of AGI.
Mike Benz: Benz focuses on digital censorship and the erosion of free speech. He warns about centralized control of information and advocates for transparency and open dialogue.
Benz's focus on digital censorship has led to accusations of promoting conspiracy theories. Some critics argue that his claims about centralized control of information are exaggerated or lack sufficient evidence.
Hal Puthoff: A physicist and consciousness researcher, Puthoff is known for his work on remote viewing and advanced propulsion systems. He encourages exploration of unconventional scientific ideas to push the boundaries of human understanding.
Puthoff's research on remote viewing and unconventional scientific ideas has been labeled pseudoscience by skeptics. His work has faced scrutiny for lacking empirical support and being outside mainstream scientific norms.
Daniel Hillis: A computer scientist and inventor, Hillis emphasizes the importance of bridging human intelligence and machine intelligence. He advocates for innovative technological solutions to address global challenges.
Hillis's efforts to bridge human and machine intelligence have raised concerns about the ethical and societal implications of such integration. Critics question whether his vision adequately addresses potential risks to privacy and autonomy.
Avi Loeb: An astrophysicist and advocate for exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial life, Loeb emphasizes using science to investigate anomalous interstellar objects like 'Oumuamua. He challenges conventional thinking and promotes open-minded inquiry into the cosmos.
Loeb's emphasis on investigating interstellar objects like 'Oumuamua as possible extraterrestrial technology has been criticized by mainstream scientists, with many arguing his theories lack substantial evidence and risk sensationalizing astrophysics.
Eric Weinstein: A mathematician and economist, Weinstein critiques mainstream science and economics, advocating for reform to address societal stagnation. He promotes the exploration of alternative theories and challenges established narratives in academia.
Weinstein's critiques of academia and established science have sparked backlash from professionals who accuse him of promoting unorthodox ideas without peer-reviewed evidence. His stance on societal stagnation has also polarized opinions.
Robert Kennedy Jr.: An environmental attorney and activist, Kennedy focuses on health and environmental issues. He raises concerns about corporate and government transparency, particularly in relation to public health policies.
Kennedy's outspoken views on vaccine safety have generated significant controversy, with critics accusing him of spreading misinformation and undermining public health initiatives.
His anti-vaccine rhetoric has been widely criticized, including claims linking vaccines to autism, which have been debunked5. He has also faced backlash for promoting conspiracy theories, such as COVID-19 targeting specific ethnic groups.
Michael Levin: A biologist specializing in regenerative medicine, Levin explores the role of bioelectric signals in guiding cellular behavior. He emphasizes advancing medical science to unlock the potential for regenerative healing.
Levin's work on bioelectric signals in regenerative medicine has faced skepticism from some in the scientific community, with detractors questioning the broader implications of his findings for practical medical applications.
Julian Assange: Founder of WikiLeaks, Assange advocates for transparency, freedom of information, and holding powerful institutions accountable. He became a controversial figure for publishing classified materials exposing government and corporate misconduct.
Assange's publication of classified materials through WikiLeaks has provoked worldwide controversy. While some laud his commitment to transparency, others accuse him of endangering lives and compromising national security.
Beyond the legal battles over WikiLeaks, Assange has been accused of endangering lives by publishing classified materials, including exposing sources in war zones. Allegations of sexual misconduct in Sweden also added to his contentious reputation.
John McAfee: Known as a tech entrepreneur and antivirus pioneer, McAfee became a controversial figure advocating for privacy, cybersecurity, and individual liberty. He warned against government overreach and promoted personal freedom, albeit amidst a tumultuous personal life.
McAfee's turbulent personal life and outspoken political views often overshadowed his tech legacy. His confrontations with authorities and his cryptic statements prior to his death led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories.
John McAfee's life was a whirlwind of controversies that spanned decades:
Murder Allegations in Belize: McAfee was a person of interest in the unsolved murder of his neighbor, Gregory Faull, in 2012. While he denied involvement, his erratic behavior and subsequent flight from Belize fueled speculation.
Tax Evasion: In his later years, McAfee faced charges of tax evasion in the U.S., stemming from his failure to file income taxes for several years. He claimed these charges were politically motivated.
Cryptocurrency Schemes: McAfee was accused of promoting dubious cryptocurrency schemes, including "pump and dump" tactics, where he allegedly manipulated the value of cryptocurrencies for personal gain.
Drug and Weapon Allegations: His compound in Belize was raided in 2012 on suspicions of drug manufacturing and illegal weapons possession. McAfee denied these allegations, claiming they were part of a government conspiracy against him.
Death and Conspiracy Theories: McAfee's death in a Spanish prison in 2021, officially ruled a suicide, sparked widespread conspiracy theories. His wife and supporters questioned the circumstances, citing his previous statements that he would never take his own life.
Suchir Balaji: A former AI researcher at OpenAI, Balaji became a whistleblower, raising ethical concerns about the company's practices, including the use of copyrighted material to train AI models. Tragically, he was found dead in November 2024, with his death officially ruled a suicide. However, his family and others have raised suspicions of foul play, citing inconsistencies in the investigation and his role as a whistleblower.
Balaji's role as a whistleblower at OpenAI and his subsequent tragic death have sparked controversies. Critics and supporters debate the ethics of AI development, transparency in big tech, and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Robin Hanson: An economist and futurist, Hanson explores topics like human behavior, decision-making, and societal trends. He is known for his thought-provoking concepts, such as "The Age of Em" (about emulated minds) and urges society to consider the implications of future technologies.
Hanson's futuristic theories, such as "The Age of Em," have provoked criticism for their speculative nature and perceived neglect of ethical concerns related to emulated consciousness and societal inequality.
Hanson’s ideas, like "grabby aliens" and "futarchy," have sparked debate for being speculative. His association with controversial projects like DARPA's FutureMAP has also drawn criticism.
FutureMAP, a DARPA initiative, became highly controversial due to its proposed "Policy Analysis Market" (PAM), which was quickly dubbed the "terrorism futures market." The idea was to create a prediction market where participants could bet on geopolitical events, such as coups, assassinations, and terrorist attacks. The rationale was that market forces could aggregate dispersed information and improve forecasting accuracy. However, critics, including U.S. Senators, condemned the project as "grotesque" and "offensive," arguing that it essentially turned atrocities into a betting game. The backlash was so intense that the program was canceled within a day of the criticism becoming public.
Jake Barber: A former U.S. Air Force veteran and whistleblower, Barber has claimed involvement in secret government programs to retrieve unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). He has shared detailed accounts of encountering non-human technology during his work, which has sparked investigations and public interest.
Barber's whistleblowing about secretive government programs involving UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) has drawn both intrigue and skepticism. Critics question the verifiability of his claims and the lack of tangible evidence.
Curt Jaimungal: A filmmaker and host of the "Theories of Everything" podcast, Jaimungal focuses on exploring complex ideas ranging from physics to consciousness and spirituality. He advocates for open-minded discussions that span science, philosophy, and the mysteries of reality.
As a host exploring deep philosophical and scientific theories, Jaimungal has faced pushback for providing a platform to controversial figures, with critics suggesting he sometimes legitimizes fringe or speculative ideas.
Mike Gravel: A politician and activist, Gravel is remembered for his anti-war stance and efforts to expose government secrets, such as the Pentagon Papers. He called for greater transparency and citizen engagement in governance.
Gravel's anti-war stance and efforts to expose government secrets, such as the Pentagon Papers, faced backlash from political opponents who accused him of undermining national security.
David Friedberg: A tech entrepreneur and investor, Friedberg emphasizes leveraging technology to address global challenges, such as food security and climate change. He promotes innovative solutions to create a sustainable future.
Friedberg's focus on leveraging technology for global challenges has sparked debate, with critics questioning the scalability and ethical implications of some of his proposed solutions.
Samo Burja: A sociologist and founder of Bismarck Analysis, Burja studies societal structures and institutions. He highlights the importance of understanding historical patterns to build resilient and effective systems for the future.
Burja's analysis of societal structures and institutions has been criticized for being overly theoretical, with detractors arguing that his ideas lack practical application or fail to account for cultural nuances.
@TonikoWhite wait, how could Newton have the most important message for society in the 2020s if he lived in the 1600s?
@TheAllMemeingEye Great question. Actually it's not. It's the 60 years of litigation he has been involved in and his ability to elucidate the hidden motivations behind 70+ years of the actions taken by presidential administrations and intelligence agencies.
I would highly recommend listening to his lectures from his time teaching at the Romero Institute (10+ years ago). He has taught some of the most insightful courses I've ever taken and is certainly one of the most knowledgeable individuals I know of.
It is worth understanding his position and involvement with the JFK assassination, watergate and the pentagon papers in judging his credibility before even beginning to look at his involvement in UAP disclosure.
Thanks for asking.
Reminder to everyone that Eliezer Yudkowsky isn't just one of the world's most prominent advocates for AI safety (https://time.com/6266923/ai-eliezer-yudkowsky-open-letter-not-enough/ ), but also for rationalism (https://www.readthesequences.com/ ), and for solving societal coordination problems (https://equilibriabook.com/toc/ ).
Similarly, Brian Tomasik is one of the world's most prominent advocates for preventing wild animal suffering and risks of astronomical suffering (https://reducing-suffering.org/ ).
@TheAllMemeingEye He is certainly a great advocate for AI safety and rationalism, but he could be a lot less wrong about societal coordination problems. There's a solution to the general coordination problem floating around the internet and he can't seem to find it. He should be the easiest person to contact with such information. He needs to work on his technical empathy.
Respectfully
@Krantz Do you at least agree with the devastating demolition of current society he delivers in the Moloch's Toolbox chapter even if you don't agree with his alternative?
@TheAllMemeingEye I agree with his assessment of the problems. I actually agree with much of what he has claimed. I just think he could be much more open-minded about things he seems to have not considered yet.
Which person had the most important message to give society?
[…]
It's a paraphrase of "Which individual is the most important whistleblower of the 20s?".
Aren't these two phrases similar length but significantly different meaning? Whistleblower tends to specifically mean someone telling the public about evil acts the organisation they're part of is currently doing, right?
Given the current nature of the market options, I think it would make most sense for the future poll question to be changed to match the market question i.e. "In 2030 which individual will Manifold think had the most important message to give society in the 2020s?"