Even so, these people of the Power Elite were visibly much smarter than average mortals. In conversation they spoke quickly, sensibly, and by and large intelligently. When talk turned to deep and difficult topics, they understood faster, made fewer mistakes, were readier to adopt others' suggestions.
Nice find! The author, it seems, falls for the same sorts of things I mentioned. He talks about an "executive-nature" that sets these people apart. Their "aura". Whether they "sparkle with extra life force." People who "just came across as... formidable, somehow." And over and over through the article, he confuses these things with genuine competence and intelligence.
The author, it seems, falls for the same sorts of things I mentioned.
That was not my intent. The point of the essay was exactly the opposite. Maybe I fall for the same stuff, but Eliezer is a very smart guy who was predisposed (as he makes clear in the essay) to believe that the people he met were all fluff. He was surprised that they were not just demonstrably knowledgeable, but, in addition, had other appealing characteristics.
https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/CKpByWmsZ8WmpHtYa/competent-...