# LessWrong 14 Hacker News commenters recommended LessWrong and 17 criticized it, November 2025 to November 2026. It was recommended in 8 of 13 months. **Verdict:** Recommended for thoughtful, well-reasoned discussion on AI and essays that broaden thinking; critics warn of its tie to the rationalist community. ## Why people recommend it - Smart, informed AI discussion (4 comments): "their methodology of thought leads to much more well-reasoned takes on AI than on HN" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49190093)) "people are better informed on LessWrong and AI Twitter circles" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49160968)) "LessWrong is a much better community for rational takes on AI." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49188118)) - Thoughtful, charitable discussion (2 comments): "For thoughtful, critical, charitable discussion, I recommend LessWrong by leaps and bounds" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47356656)) "In terms of intellectual openness, I put LW at the "best I've seen anywhere, ever" level." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47844577)) - Essays that broaden thinking (2 comments): "some great essays on Lesswrong and adjacent blogs over the years" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49750145)) "They all expanded my mind and let me see more of the map." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49928984)) - Readable layout and presentation (2 comments): "the heading based TOC on the left, and the margin notes on the right" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48467696)) "Great site and this caffeine article is great presentation of data." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47718266)) ## What people warn about - Tied to rationalist and cult-like groups (4 comments): "Rationalism is really just another religion, with the faith parts carefully tucked away underneath concepts like priors" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49767221)) "LessWrong is closely associated with the rationalists and all that comes with them." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47718447)) "The "human biodiversity", crypto scam, and polycule murder cult people." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49904025)) - Accused of echo chamber and error (4 comments): "they've collectively embraced a lot of delusional thinking" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50207278)) "I'd argue that it was a direct result of the echo chamber." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=50216750)) "Less Wrong is wrong a lot lol." ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48493314)) - Oddly preoccupied with odd topics (2 comments): "they've also been oddly preoccupied with topics like trying to help the most people and frequently promote giving money to efficient charities" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47321036)) "It's part of the "rationalist" writing sphere which has become oddly preoccupied with topics like race and IQ" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47318052)) - Harms impressionable readers and tech (2 comments): "responsible for a lot of the worst ideas currently permeating the technology sector" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47166847)) "a lot of damage is being done to the psyche of impressionable people" ([source](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47477014)) ## Alternatives hackers recommend - [Lobsters](https://hackerapproved.com/p/lobsters.md): 105 recommend - [Stack Exchange](https://hackerapproved.com/p/stack-exchange.md): 14 recommend - [Math Stack Exchange](https://hackerapproved.com/p/math-stack-exchange.md): 6 recommend - [AskHistorians](https://hackerapproved.com/p/askhistorians-subreddit.md): 5 recommend - [Cloudy Nights](https://hackerapproved.com/p/cloudy-nights.md): 5 recommend ## Where to get it - [Visit the official site](https://www.lesswrong.com/) ## Cite as Hacker Approved, "LessWrong", https://hackerapproved.com/p/lesswrong/ (counts from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026).