It's just the pattern that I've seen play out again and again, and which I can only assume happened here at least to some extent.
Humans are world-class justifiers.
People here on HN largely recognize the tribalism effect, and once you've taken money, that will start to take hold. You've linked yourself to him and you will inevitably begin to identify with him as a result.
Note that if Epstein had genuinely been stricken by remorse, changed his ways, done his best to make amends to his victims, and was looking for a way to do good with his fortune, then I think taking the money makes perfect sense.
It's just the pattern that I've seen play out again and again, and which I can only assume happened here at least to some extent.
Humans are world-class justifiers.
People here on HN largely recognize the tribalism effect, and once you've taken money, that will start to take hold. You've linked yourself to him and you will inevitably begin to identify with him as a result.
Note that if Epstein had genuinely been stricken by remorse, changed his ways, done his best to make amends to his victims, and was looking for a way to do good with his fortune, then I think taking the money makes perfect sense.
That obviously wasn't true here, though.