I realized a few years ago that there's an important difference between someone who believes women should have equal rights and a feminist. Similarly, there's a difference between someone who believes men should have equal rights and a men's rights advocate. I often sympathize with the first group. I often disagree with the latter. This same distinction applies to rationality: there's a huge difference between someone who strives to be rational and someone who belongs to a "rationalist community".

> This same distinction applies to rationality: there's a huge difference between someone who strives to be rational and someone who belongs to a "rationalist community".

I consider myself a member of both these groups, and I fully agree. Many people are in the rationality community only because they like the vibes, not because they actually try to practice the art. It probably can't be avoided -- the community is open to newcomers and has no formal membership.

How big is this 3rd gap compared to the aforementioned 2 other gaps?

"Large" is very vague.

The leaderboard shows (50 of) 166385 registered accounts* on https://www.lesswrong.com/leaderboard

This is simultaneously a large body and an insignificant minority.

* How many are junk accounts? IDK. But I do know it's international, because I live in Berlin, Germany, and socialise regularly.

I have an account on LessWrong. Heck, I even try to act rationally most of the time.

I don’t consider myself a Rationalist or part of the Rationalist community.

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if that number turns out to overstate the size by an order of magnitude.

> But I do know it's international, because I live in Berlin, Germany, and socialise regularly.

This made me chuckle. Thanks!