DiscoverEA Forum Podcast (All audio)“Good government” by rosehadshar
“Good government” by rosehadshar

“Good government” by rosehadshar

Update: 2025-09-10
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Description

In the town hall in Siena, there is a set of frescos by Lorenzetti called the Allegory of Good and Bad Government. It was painted between 1338 and 1339 on the walls of the Sala dei Nove, where Siena's magistrates held council.

One of the long walls shows the Effects of good government. The harvest is ready in the fields and vineyards beyond the city walls, a farmer drives his pig to town, the city is clean and elegant, and citizens are dancing in the streets to celebrate a wedding.

One of the dancers is wearing a dress embroidered with dragonflies.

When the councilman sat to make their decisions, that was what they were looking at and hoping for.

On the opposite wall is a fresco showing the Effects of bad government, but I think they get enough airtime as is, so I’m not going to go [...]

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Outline:

(04:30 ) A post-AGI allegory

(10:46 ) Postscript: what we stand to lose

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First published:

September 10th, 2025



Source:

https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/JjicJYdxsJsyqMyYk/good-government


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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.


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Images from the article:

A picture Lizka Vaintrob and Midjourney made to illustrate some kinds of existential risk. For me, this image is about what I want to protect, and how fragile it is.
Medieval landscape painting showing people working in rolling, green hillside fields.
Medieval fresco showing two crowned figures with symbolic scales and angel
Medieval fresco showing dancers and musician with tambourine in traditional dress
Medieval fresco depicting royal figures and allegorical virtues against blue background.
Medieval fresco showing figure in white dress reclining on patterned couch.  The image depicts a medieval artistic style with a delicate rendering of flowing fabric, a laurel crown, and decorative geometric patterns in the background. The subject is shown in a contemplative pose against an ornate backdrop featuring Gothic architectural elements and intricate textile designs in red and gold.

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“Good government” by rosehadshar

“Good government” by rosehadshar