A History Of Existential Risk - Thomas Moynihan | Modern Wisdom Podcast 306 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Acknowledging the possibility of human extinction is a significant intellectual achievement that separates us from other animals, and it offers hope in recognizing how far we've come in our understanding and progress.

Key Insights

• 📏 Extinction is the rule in nature, with 99.9% of all species that have ever existed now extinct.
• ❓ Recognizing the possibility of human extinction is a recent intellectual achievement, separate from ancient narratives of cyclical catastrophes.
• 🪈 Extinction frustrates morality and value, while apocalypse implies the fulfillment of moral order.
• 🤞 The modern understanding of extinction offers hope in realizing how far we've come and the potential for correcting our mistakes.
• 🌍 The unprecedented ability to correct ourselves and the capacity to make the world a better place are unique to humans.
• 🌸 Understanding our vulnerability and the potential loss of human potential emphasizes the need for collective action and precautionary measures.
• 🙏 The distinction between apocalypse and extinction highlights the importance of shaping our values to align with a reality that is independent of our desires and wishes.

Transcript

99.9 of all species that have ever existed are now extinct so it's extinction is the rule survival is the exception that's an important thing to know is that you know potentially we have come close before this isn't something that is completely unprecedented if we're worried about existential risks annihilating our future why spend any time studyin... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important to study the past and understand the risks of human extinction?

Studying the past helps us recognize our achievements and how far we've come, while understanding the risks allows us to take precautions and make informed decisions for a better future.

Q: How does the concept of extinction differ from that of apocalypse?

While apocalypse implies the fulfillment of morality and value, extinction brings a sense of irreversible frustration and the loss of human potential.

Q: How does the recognition of our vulnerability shape our actions and values?

Acknowledging our vulnerability motivates us to take responsibility for our actions and work towards a better future, as we realize that no one else will save us.

Q: Why do people find it difficult to accept the possibility of human extinction?

It is uncomfortable to accept that no one else cares about our survival as much as we do, and it challenges our egocentric views of the universe.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Extinction is the rule, not the exception, and humanity has come close to extinction in the past through events like volcanic eruptions.

• The ability to grasp the prospect of our own extinction is a modern achievement and a cure for despondency, as it shows how far we've come.

• The distinction between apocalypse and extinction is crucial, with apocalypse implying fulfillment and extinction implying irreversible frustration of morality and value.