Knowledge Maximalism

Promises and Misunderstandings of Effective Altruism’s “Long Reflection”

Just because they didn’t explain it correctly doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea.

Sep 1 • Saul Zimet

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August 2026

Andrew Wilson’s Failed (Supposedly Infallible) Version of Christian Ethics

Any worthwhile ethical framework needs a mechanism of self-improvement.

Aug 25 • Saul Zimet

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JD Vance Misunderstands the Relationship Between Virtue and Markets

Part 1 of my series on how forced association erodes society

Aug 15 • Saul Zimet

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Human Significance and the Vastness of the Universe

Humans in a larger universe can be wealthier and more powerful, and thus more significant, than humans in a smaller universe.

Aug 12 • Saul Zimet

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Why AI Doomers Spread Counter-Enlightenment H.P. Lovecraft Memes

Will the spread of artificial intelligence, and therefore the growth of knowledge, cause humanity's extinction or salvation?

Aug 3 • Saul Zimet

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July 2026

Why Pursuing Knowledge Is a Better-than-Chance Moral Bet

Self-correction is the asymmetry between the pro-Enlightenment and nihilistic or anti-Enlightenment moral risks.

Jul 26 • Saul Zimet

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JD Vance's Antitrust Agenda Threatens Humanity's Technological Future

The Vice President's praise of Lina Khan makes his threats against big tech far more serious.

Jul 18 • Saul Zimet

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June 2026

The Hierarchy of Pascalian Wagers

Blaise Pascal may not have bet on the right horse, but he was right to gamble on the race.

Jun 25 • Saul Zimet

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May 2026

Heinlein’s Wager

In 1942, Robert A. Heinlein imagined a civilization that responds to nihilism not with dogma, but with a centuries-long research project. Today, Oxford…

May 31 • Saul Zimet

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March 2026

The 15-Hour Work Week Was Always a Terrible Idea

Some fantasize about a dramatically reduced work week because they misunderstand the purpose of work and the importance of leisure.

Mar 9 • Saul Zimet

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February 2026

More People Means More Prosperity

Population growth is inextricably linked to economic growth and social harmony.

Feb 26 • Saul Zimet

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Karl Popper Versus H. P. Lovecraft

Two opposing attitudes toward humanity’s infinite ignorance.

Feb 2 • Saul Zimet

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