Very Bad Wizards Episode 274: Can I Get a Kidney Voucher? (with Vlad Chituc)
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Dec 13, 2023 Guest Vlad Chituc, returning guest, discusses donating his kidney, effective altruism movement, and his sexuality. They debate the role of neuroscience in climate change research and the skepticism towards it. Virtual conferences, academic footprint, TMS, and effective altruism are also discussed. They share personal experiences with anesthesia and fear of unconsciousness. The dangers of surgery, criticisms and limitations of effective altruism, and the turn to long-termism are explored.
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Virtual Nature As Troubling Adaptation
- The idea of virtual nature as a climate adaptation is dystopian but gaining traction.
- VR nature may offer short-term benefits but normalizes surrender to environmental collapse.
How Vlad Chituc Chose To Donate
- Vlad read articles about donating kidneys and decided it was something he should do.
- He donated on May 4, 2022, starting a chain that restored seven people's kidney function.
Public Sharing Sparked More Donors
- Vlad posted about his donation publicly and inspired others to sign up.
- Two people told him they donated after reading his account, showing normalization effects.