43. Question Time: Margaret Thatcher, Rupert Murdoch, and Mick Lynch

In this book, Toby Ord argues that humanity is in a uniquely dangerous period, which he terms 'the Precipice,' beginning with the first atomic bomb test in 1945. Ord examines various existential risks, including natural and anthropogenic threats, and estimates that there is a one in six chance of humanity suffering an existential catastrophe within the next 100 years. He advocates for a major reorientation in how we see the world and our role in it, emphasizing the need for collective action to minimize these risks and ensure a safe future for humanity. The book integrates insights from multiple disciplines, including physics, biology, earth science, computer science, history, anthropology, statistics, international relations, and moral philosophy.

This book delves into the purpose and power of sleep, explaining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Walker discusses how sleep enriches our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions, recalibrates our emotions, restocks our immune system, fine-tunes our metabolism, and regulates our appetite. He also explores the consequences of sleep deprivation and provides actionable steps to improve sleep quality, including ways to prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, slow the effects of aging, and increase longevity.

In 'Famine, Affluence, and Morality,' Peter Singer presents a compelling argument that individuals with sufficient resources are morally obligated to donate to humanitarian causes, especially when such actions can prevent suffering without significant personal sacrifice. The essay uses the 'drowning child' analogy to illustrate the moral imperative to act in the face of preventable suffering, regardless of geographical distance.

In 'Poor Economics,' Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo present a detailed analysis of the lives of the poor, challenging common assumptions about poverty. They use evidence from numerous randomized control trials to explain why the poor make certain choices, such as borrowing to save or missing out on free immunizations. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the daily decisions and constraints faced by the poor and argues that small, well-designed interventions can lead to significant improvements in their lives. It also highlights the role of behavioral economics and the need for policy changes based on empirical evidence rather than grand generalizations or ideologies.