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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 Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant  
Thought-provoking, very interesting points, wonderfully written and narrated by William MacAskill, its in our hands :)

Brilliant!!!!

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I enjoyed the philosophical reasoning for why we should care about future generations, but I also enjoyed the practical approach the author is taking on what to do to accomplish this.

Interesting philosophy, yet still very practical

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Loved the book and the narration by the author. Found it really engaging and enjoyed how the last chapter tied it together and left me with a pleasant mix of actions and questions.

Fantastic Book

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Everyone should be aware of and engage with this book. Clear presentation of very thoughtful and balanced arguments from basic human responsibilities through to the future risks posed by AI. One omission is the lack of a reading list at the end. There are so many references throughout the reading that I will, happily, listen again to capture some of them, but I wish I'd noted these during the reading, rather than expecting a reading list at the end. I guess I could buy a physical copy for the reference list... The book is worth it.

If not us, then who?

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I was not a stranger to the longtermism idea, but wanted a stronger overview, and this provided.

I have to admit that not being able to see some of it down on paper made it a bit hard for me to always follow on, and I will need to listen to some of the chapters again, but Will MacAskill did not disappoint. Some thought provoking ideas.

Not easy going but makes you think

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Loved it! The ideas in this book are v well communicated and I believe have given my life a sense of purpose more so than any other book. Despite having thought about the topic for some time I continued to find new ideas throughout.

inspiring, original, fantastic

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Fenominal enlightening book, such a change of paradigm
Grateful such people exists, and dedicate their life to make a change and share their knowledge
Impactful 10/10

Life Changing

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I was convinced this would be a difficult read and I'd be resistant to the ideas within, even though I am already sold on effective altruism as a whole I've always felt resistance toward longtermism when I'd heard about it. Will has successfully put some really complex ideas into easily digestible chapters, and trusts his audience to follow with him. The audio narration is gentle and easy on the ears. All round I greatly admire this author and all his work, it gives me great reassurance that this movement he started is growing and people out there are kind hearted and care about doing as much good as possible, for all sentient life through all time.

Beautifully written and compelling

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Ambitious, convincing and beautifully written. A book that should be remembered for a very long time.

A hugely important book

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Great read for anyone wanting to know why we should care about the long run future and how to impact the long run future positively

Best introduction to longtermism

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