

#512 - Will MacAskill - How Long Could Humanity Continue For?
32 snips Aug 13, 2022
Will MacAskill, a philosopher and co-founder of Effective Altruism, discusses the importance of long-term thinking for humanity's future. He explores existential risks, the implications of technological advancements, and the need for moral flexibility in governance. MacAskill emphasizes how today's actions can shape the lives of trillions to come. He also critiques societal norms, like the 'Happy Birthday' song, and advocates for proactive measures to ensure a thriving future while navigating potential threats like engineered pandemics.
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Vast Future
- Humans think on short timescales, but civilization could last billions of years.
- We're at the very beginning of history, and future generations will see us as ancients.
Longtermism
- Longtermism emphasizes the importance of future generations’ interests.
- It considers how present actions affect civilization’s trajectory.
Crucial Inflection Point
- Humanity is at a crucial inflection point regarding its civilizational inheritance.
- Our actions now significantly impact this vast potential future.