Harry Potter & the Methods of Rationality: “Learn How to Lose”

Let’s discuss Harry Potter & the Methods of Rationality (HPMOR) Chapter 19: Delayed Gratification
https://www.lesswrong.com/s/PtgH6ALi5CoJnPmGS/p/m4HHsZYXzQtchSepn

“You do not teach students to throw until you have taught them to fall. And I must not teach you to fight if you do not understand how to lose."

“During one of my first fights, after I had been beaten in a particularly humiliating fashion, I lost control and attacked my sparring partner. The Master, surprisingly, did not expel me on the spot. He told me that there was a flaw in my temperament. He explained it to me, and I knew that he was right. And then he said that I would learn how to lose."

"Upon his strict orders, all of the students of the dojo lined up. One by one, they approached me. I was not to defend myself. I was only to beg for mercy. One by one, they slapped me, or punched me, and pushed me to the ground. Some of them spat on me. They called me awful names in their language. And to each one, I had to say, 'I lose!' and similar such things, such as 'I beg you to stop!' and 'I admit you're better than me!'"

“I could have killed everyone in that dojo. I did not do so. I learned to lose. To this day I remember it as one of the most unpleasant hours of my life. And when I left that dojo eight months later, the Master told me that he hoped I understood why that had been necessary. And I told him that it was one of the most valuable lessons I had ever learned. Which was, and is, true."

When: Saturday Mar 16, 6pm to 7:30pm
Where: 60 Wall Street Atrium
What: Let’s discuss HPMOR Chapter 19: Delayed Gratification
https://www.lesswrong.com/s/PtgH6ALi5CoJnPmGS/p/m4HHsZYXzQtchSepn

We will be joined by 10+ Rationalists from OBNYC Google Group.

See you there!