Welcome to Out of the Ordinary, my new blog!
The future could be huge – but we aren’t thinking nearly enough about what will shape it. Right now, there are two interlinked intellectual movements – Longtermism and Effective Altruism – that are focused on improving the world, and especially on improving the future. I’m deeply interested in both of these movements, so I’ll be writing on both topics (starting with my first post, explaining Longtermism, coming soon).
But I’m also interested in lots of other things: American politics, political strategy, foreign policy, economics, and philosophy. I’ll dip into these topics as well.
I’m calling the blog “Out of the Ordinary” for two reasons. First, because I want to focus on issues that I feel aren’t getting enough attention in mainstream outlets, and to explore ideas that may lie outside the current bounds of political debate. And second, the title is an homage to the Australian philosopher Toby Ord. Ord is the author of The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity, a book that has influenced me more than any other.1 The book is currently the best introduction out there to the philosophy of Longtermism, and much of my writing will build on the ideas and themes that Ord discusses in his book.
About me:
I’m currently an undergrad at Yale, studying Political Science and Philosophy. I’m also a consultant at Blue Rose Research, where I work with folks like David Shor on survey research, helping to ensure that Democratic politicians have the information about public opinion they need in order to win elections. I’m also an advisor at Data for Progress, the progressive think tank and polling organization.
Previously, I have written on the rise and importance of Secret Congress with Matt Yglesias, and on the politics and policy surrounding the Child Tax Credit with David Shor. My work has been referenced in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vox, and FiveThirtyEight.
Why you should subscribe:
If you follow me on Twitter, you (hopefully) enjoy my thoughts on politics and public policy, as well as my irreverent sense of humor. Why not give that a try in longer form?
If you don’t follow me on Twitter, well, I wish you would, but the blog will give you a way to hear my thoughts in a more coherent, developed fashion. I’ll also do some subscribers-only content at some point (subscribing is free).
Logistics:
I’m tentatively planning to write roughly 1000-1500 words a week, either in the form of two short posts, or one longer post. Subscribers will have my writing delivered directly to their inbox; everyone else will be able to find my work here. I’ll also tweet links to posts I think are especially strong. The blog is not paywalled – I want as many people as possible to be able to read my work. If you have thoughts on any of my writing, I hope you’ll reach out at the email linked in the About page, or message me on Twitter.
My guess is that the first couple weeks might be a little rocky, as I try to figure this whole blogging thing out. But my hope is that in a month or two, I’ll be putting out content that people actually want to read.
Alright! That’s enough of an introduction . My first post, explaining the philosophy of Longtermism, will be up shortly. I’ll be back in a few days with a piece making the intuitive case for that philosophy, and then we’ll go from there. I really hope you subscribe, and if you like what you read, I hope you share my writing on Twitter or with your friends.
I’m excited to start writing for all of you.
Best,
Simon
Special thank you to my brother, Eli Sabin, for coming up with the name for this blog over dinner a few weeks ago.
I saw your interview on MSNBC this morning. It was good to listen to such a smart, cogent, articulate person just getting started in life. I'll be reading your postings and wish you health and success. Perhaps I'll be voting for you someday!