Why despite global progress, humanity is probably facing its most dangerous time ever
80000hours.org
We’re glad the Romans didn’t let humanity go extinct, since it means that all of modern civilisation has been able to exist. We think we owe a similar responsibility to the people who will come after us, assuming (as we believe) that they are likely to lead fulfilling lives. It would be reckless and
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Despite global progress, humanity is facing its most dangerous time ever due to the potential risks that we haven't even considered yet. Just like people in 1900 couldn't have predicted the dangers of nuclear weapons, genetic engineering, or artificial intelligence, we may be unaware of the risks that lie ahead. These future "unknown unknowns" could pose an even greater threat than the known risks we currently face.
Top Highlights
- We’re glad the Romans didn’t let humanity go extinct, since it means that all of modern civilisation has been able to exist. We think we owe a similar responsibility to the people who will come after us, assuming (as we believe) that they are likely to lead fulfilling lives. It would be reckless and unjust to endanger their existence just to make o...
- a better educated population would probably elect more enlightened leaders (cough)
- What’s probably more concerning is the risks we haven’t thought of yet. If you had asked people in 1900 what the greatest risks to civilisation were, they probably wouldn’t have suggested nuclear weapons, genetic engineering or artificial intelligence, since none of these were yet invented. It’s possible we’re in the same situation looking forward ...
- And in fact, this dramatically understates the problem. The greatest beneficiaries of efforts to reduce catastrophic risks are future generations. They have no way to stand up for their interests, whether economically or politically.
- But as you can see in the data, many important measures of progress have improved dramatically.
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