Is playing a direct part more significant than just trying to lead an honest and moral life?
Yes. If you choose to play a direct part, the Universe will be a better place. Obviously it’s possible to carry that too far – the “too many chiefs, not enough Indians” syndrome – but we have a long way to go before we reach that point. A Singularity project needs an economy to support it, but it also needs project members. I’m not suggesting that you feel guilty if you don’t immediately drop everything and start working on the Singularity. First, guilt binds people to past mistakes more often than it motivates change. Second, very few people just wake up one morning ready to dedicate their lives to a cause. There’s nothing wrong with trying to be a better person and reading science fiction and working your way up to being a Singularitarian. And if there’s just no way you can help other than to keep plugging away at your current job, then keep plugging, but without feeling guilty or morally confused. In the end, it all comes down to choosing the best alternative available. If you can’t
