Scott Alexander: 'All good is hard. All evil is easy. Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity is easy. Stay away from easy.'

All good is hard. All evil is easy. Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity is easy. Stay away from easy.

The quote by Scott Alexander, "All good is hard. All evil is easy. Dying, losing, cheating, and mediocrity is easy. Stay away from easy." encompasses a clear message about the nature of morality and the choices we face in life. It reminds us that pursuing good requires effort and commitment, while engaging in unethical behavior or settling for mediocrity is often the path of least resistance. This straightforward interpretation of the quote highlights the importance of making conscious decisions and choosing the harder, but ultimately more fulfilling, path.To delve deeper into the quote's underlying philosophy, let's explore the concept of existentialism, a school of thought that examines the individual's freedom, responsibility, and the challenge of creating meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Existentialism suggests that in the absence of inherent meaning, we must actively choose our values and actions to navigate through life authentically.In this context, the quote by Alexander can be seen as an endorsement of existentialist ideals. It encourages us to embrace the difficulty of doing good since morality is not predetermined but rather a product of our choices. By avoiding the easy routes of deceit, laziness, and mediocrity, we align ourselves with the core tenets of existentialism - taking responsibility for our actions, embracing our freedom, and creating our own meaning in life.The contrasting concept of determinism offers an intriguing contrast to existentialism. Determinism posits that all events are predetermined by previous causes, leaving little room for individual agency or free will. If one adheres strictly to determinism, the notion of choice seems illusory, and the quote by Alexander might lose some of its significance.However, even within a deterministic worldview, the understanding that engaging in unethical behavior or settling for mediocrity comes naturally to us can be valuable. It suggests that our automatic inclinations may lean towards ease, but it is through conscious effort that we rise above these tendencies and strive for goodness. In a deterministic framework, the choice to go against our automatic impulses becomes not just an act of personal growth but also a rebellion against the deterministic forces governing our lives.Ultimately, whether one subscribes to existentialism or determinism, the quote by Scott Alexander encourages us to reflect on the choices we make and the effort required to pursue what is right. It serves as a reminder that the path of least resistance may not align with our moral compass and that true fulfillment lies in embracing the challenges that come with doing good. By actively choosing to avoid the easy options of cheating, mediocrity, and shortcuts, we defy our automatic inclinations and forge a path that aligns with our values, allowing us to lead more authentic and meaningful lives.In conclusion, Scott Alexander's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent difficulty in pursuing goodness while highlighting the ease associated with unethical behavior and mediocrity. By embracing the philosophy of existentialism, we can see this quote as an invitation to make conscious choices, taking responsibility for our actions and pursuing a path of authenticity. Even within the deterministic framework, the quote retains its inspirational value, encouraging us to defy our automatic inclinations and actively choose what is right. So let us remember to stay away from easy and embrace the challenges that come with pursuing the good in all aspects of our lives.