I attended Secular Solstice in Berkeley last December.

My perspective is quite unusual: I live in a rationalist group house and work at an AI safety office, but I also am a Christian and attend church every week.[1]

I was originally not planning on going to Solstice, but a decent number of people (~5) told me in person that they would be particularly interested in my opinions of it. I realized that I was interested in learning what I would think of it too, so I went.

I took notes on my thoughts throughout the service.[2] This blog post is my broader thoughts on the experience. I also have blog posts for a fun little correction to one of the songs and my detailed notes & commentary.

Overarching Narrative

I do not agree with the overarching narrative presented at Solstice.

There is a narrative in my tradition about [...]

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Outline:

(00:47) Overarching Narrative

(01:54) AI X-Risk and AI Transhumanism

(01:59) Existential Risk

(03:10) Transhumanism

(04:31) Juxtaposition

(05:23) These Arent My People

(06:09) Barbs at Religion

(09:31) Not Acknowledging Religious Influences

(10:11) Good Songs

(10:17) Songs I Endorse and Might Learn

(10:24) Songs Where I Disagree with Some of the Message, but Still Think Theyre Fun

(10:35) Hymns I Know That Feel Like They Could Work for Solstice

(12:00) Things Which Are Probably Reasonable, But Annoy Me

(12:05) No Sheet Music

(13:00) Clapping

(13:43) Budget?

The original text contained 10 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

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First published:
March 23rd, 2024

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/ozdk5cFCqtZuRnWkw/general-thoughts-on-secular-solstice

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

“General Thoughts on Secular Solstice” by Jeffrey Heninger

LessWrong (30+ Karma)