Kelsey Piper replies to Richard Ngo on Twitter:

since you have adopted the frame that liberals are self-deceived (and therefore not trustworthy about our beliefs) and you should make up beliefs you think we have, you have become markedly less likely to say things about politics that seem interesting or thought-provoking.

I think the move of declaring someone else so deceived that their own understanding of their beliefs and motives should be rejected inherently makes conversation with them nearly impossible.

now, maybe you didn't value your ability to communicate with liberals, and don't see this as a loss, or see it as more than offset by whatever you gain from this frame! but from my perspective, it's a really serious loss.

I categorically reject the idea that rejecting someone's understanding of their beliefs and motives inherently makes conversation with them nearly impossible.

It certainly doesn't make conversation with me impossible. When someone tells me that my understanding of my beliefs and motives should be rejected, I don't take my ball and go home in a huff, muttering that they've made further conversation nearly impossible. Rather, I respond the same way I do to any [...]

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Outline:

(01:30) Why It's Possible to Communicate with People Who Think You're Self-Deceived

(04:57) Why the Self-Understanding of Those Who Think It's Impossible Should Be Rejected

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First published:
September 7th, 2026

Source:
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/79YHdub9LRRSjBQK9/contra-piper-on-when-conversation-is-possible

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

“Contra Piper on When Conversation Is Possible” by Zack_M_Davis

LessWrong (30+ Karma)

“Contra Piper on When Conversation Is Possible” by Zack_M_Davis