No, this is a really bad attitude. I cannot stop them from selling out or doing whatever they will, but it is probably a good thing for people to "chastise" or "shame" people for selling out to activities that bring absolutely no net positive value to the world (and in many cases very much a net negative). Same goes for working in fintech and stuff like that.

Plus, the parent never even "shamed" anyone, they just said it makes them sad that a person they admired is doing SEO of all things.

What do these people owe the world? Nothing. How much net positive does the average person due to for the world? Not much. Are intelligent people your slaves? You mean some smart person who's done some good for the world should be ashamed for trying to afford good schools for their kids? That's the worst possible attitude.

I didn't say any of those things, and I'm not interested in overly confrontational discussions.

do you categorically think working in SEO or fintech is a net negative for the world?

then precisely what would you say, to the scientist with children to feed?

There are plenty of ways to make a living and still be a net positive for society. I wasn't shaming him, but I'd love to raise my children in a culture where the focus is helping not just yourself and your possibly undeserving offspring (e.g, the university bribery scandal or countless other instances of corruption), but the rest of humanity as well. I think we'd all be a lot better off.

But at least this guy is honest about his goals.