80,000 Hours Podcast

#130 – Will MacAskill on balancing frugality with ambition, whether you need longtermism, & mental health under pressure

17 snips
May 23, 2022
Join Will MacAskill, a philosopher from the University of Oxford and a key figure in effective altruism, as he shares insights from his upcoming book, 'What We Owe The Future.' He navigates the delicate balance between frugality and ambition in nonprofit work, especially when funding surges. Will discusses the mental health challenges and risks of burnout amidst increased responsibilities. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing unsung heroes in activism and the need for moral considerations in philanthropy and long-term thinking.
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ANECDOTE

Book Project

  • Will MacAskill wrote What We Owe the Future during the pandemic.
  • The book project involved a large team and years of combined effort, including extensive fact-checking.
INSIGHT

Fact-Checking Importance

  • Fact-checking nonfiction books thoroughly is crucial, especially with rigorous standards.
  • Many interesting claims in MacAskill's book were cut due to being untrue.
INSIGHT

Book Themes

  • MacAskill's book explores population ethics, the value of the future, and technological stagnation.
  • It emphasizes the contingency of values and the possibility of value lock-in.
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