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What We Owe the Future

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What We Owe the Future

By: William MacAskill
Narrated by: William MacAskill
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About this listen

An Oxford philosopher makes the case for “longtermism”—that positively influencing the long-term future is a key moral priority of our time

The fate of the world is in our hands. Humanity’s written history spans only five thousand years. Our yet-unwritten future could last for millions more—or it could end tomorrow. Astonishing numbers of people could lead lives of great happiness or unimaginable suffering, or never live at all, depending on what we choose to do today.

In What We Owe The Future, philosopher William MacAskill argues for longtermism, that idea that positively influencing the distant future is a key moral priority of our time. From this perspective, it’s not enough to reverse climate change or avert the next pandemic. We must ensure that civilization would rebound if it collapsed, counter the end of moral progress, and prepare for a planet where the smartest beings are digital, not human.

If we put humanity’s course to right, our grandchildren’s grandchildren will thrive, knowing we did everything we could to give them a world full of justice, hope, and beauty.

©2022 William MacAskill (P)2022 Recorded Books Ethics & Morality Future Studies Philosophy Social Sciences Morality Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant
he's been criticised for being too optimistic but this is a good book that puts things in perspective. narrated by the author... It takes half an hour to get used to, but it's an important work, so bear with!

optimistic... uplifting

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Good message. Logic is fairly convincing, but not quite ironclad. All in all - with reading, but not at the top of my recommendation list.

Moderately convincing

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good read, lots of great information,
doesn't look towards the future as much as the title makes out.
interesting thinking

not bad, but gets a bit lost at times

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Ideas worth sharing and germinating in people's minds, in my opinion this book is framing the questions we need to consider in novel way and one that I believe is important. Hopefully this philosophy can grow and become a more influential concept in our world and society.

A good philosophical case for long termist thinking

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An excellent argument for the future of humanity, made very well; supported by science and philosophy. I will recommend this book to all my friends. Most importantly, it has made me question some of my own thoughts and beliefs - which is what any great literature should do! Look forward to the next book by the Author!

Truly thought provoking

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