[djoldman]

Regardless of what one thinks about Amazon, one's actions have approximately zero effect on it.

Even if one controlled, 10, 100, 1,000, 10,000, or 100,000 people and commanded them to not use Amazon, it would have little effect.

If someone opts to stay away from Amazon, they should at least do it with clear eyes: they are doing it to feel something and will not actually affect the company.

[gibbitz]

I've been a vegetarian for 30 years. Big beef is still raging despite all the Hindus and abstainers. Doesn't mean I'll grill a burger and chow down. It would be great if suddenly the world woke up and thought about consequences of what they do in a myriad of things. It will never happen, but acting unaware when you are aware is something you have to live with. Some people think morals are divine, but I guess some people think of them as "feelings".

[bluGill]

It would have a big effect on the alternatives though.

[recursive]

I do it not for the feelings but just to avoid hypocrisy.

[jvanderbot]

I hate to be this guy, really, but did you consider that hypocrisy and anti-hypocrisy is basically what OP meant by "feelings" since they are based on (mostly self) perceptions? (Have you ever pointed out hypocrisy to someone? They are quick to tell you why you're wrong - it's absolutely about self justification not external judgement)

[add-sub-mul-div]

I don't understand the point you're making. Someone is living according to their principles and we're playing games with semantics as if "feelings" is a bad word? Okay, you win, it "feels" better to satisfy one's values.

[Dylan16807]

If those principles don't make a difference on the world around you then it's not bad but it is quite limited. It's fine to do things that don't make a difference, but it's important to keep perspective.

In particular, if you have an urge to make a difference on a regular basis, that's a great urge, but you need to make sure you don't fall into the trap of doing something that feels good but has negligible effect and thinking the job is done.

[_DeadFred_]

It's weird to see soviet style apathy propagandists become so common on the internet, even on HN.

[Dylan16807]

If you think I'm advocating for apathy then you're badly misreading my post.

[add-sub-mul-div]

Do you give this same lecture to everyone who's in line to vote on election day?

[jvanderbot]

On the contrary, voting is one of those things that has an actual measure-able outcome. It's extremely reliable in its quantitative effects.

[yupitsme123]

He pretty much hits the nail on the head as far as describing modern-day political and social movements. It's about doing the bare minimum to make oneself feel better and to be able to brand oneself as an activist.

It seems like all the real-deal movements and protests died out or were neutralized by the late '70s.

[djoldman]

https://archive.ph/ThMlo