Thanks for the link. I admit that I struggle to understand Hanson's writing (and Yudkowsky is impenetrable). IMO, the two paragraphs you cite, in the context of the post, actually means that smart people can achieve local, well-defined goals, but they rarely consider "why" they are doing it. Maybe they should. In the 2nd paragraph, he says smart people aren't successful at thinking about abstract, long-term questions. Also, those people tend not to achieve personal success (probably 'cause they waste time thinking big thoughts rather than making the sale).
Towards the end, Hanson says he pursues conventional success when he's insecure about his status. And when he's feeling secure he does what he wants, but less of the big abstract thinking because he doesn't trust it anymore. Hanson got tenure because he's smart enough to do the conventional things required for success. WHY did Hanson pursue tenure? Because he was seeking status.
In my case, I've beaten my status seeking impulse to a bloody pulp, though it twitches occasionally. Once my material needs are met, I'm pretty much done. Isn't status seeking irrational? It's imposed on us by social expectations. I'd hope that a group dedicated to reason could push past this vanity and aim for goals they consider "more rational".
My question is really whether it is rational to pursue a competitive goal (#1 tennis player), not a personal goal (learn French). Thousands of children practice tirelessly to one day become a pro tennis player. Only 100 men can eventually make a living from it. Is it worth the intensely hard work for such a long shot? Wouldn't it be smarter for all those kids to spend those hours doing their homework instead?
I'd really like to start a small business, but the odds of success are very small. Should I throw myself at this goal? If the probability were 50%, definitely. But what if it's 10% or 1%? What about the opportunity cost compared to simply getting a corporate job? There's a wee bit of insanity to startup founders that I wish I had.
I think I agree with you. But don't you have some control over your desires? Most people are enslaved by their status seeking. I can't stop laughing at those guys with brand new expensive basketball shoes who carefully wipe away every smudge! It's the same for McMansions, Jaguars, Ralph Lauren clothes, and even MacBooks. If you fancy yourself a reasonable person, then you have to question your pursuit of status.