What We Owe the Future
A philosophical case for prioritizing the long-term future
"The future is vast. If we can steer it even a little toward good, the expected value is enormous."
— William MacAskill
My Review
MacAskill's case for longtermism - prioritizing the far future - maps to biological concepts of intergenerational fitness. Organizations, like species, should consider impacts beyond their immediate horizon.
Why It Matters
Longtermism is iteroparity at civilizational scale - prioritizing continued existence and flourishing over generations.
Key Ideas
- Future people matter morally
- We can influence the long-term trajectory
- Existential risks are underweighted
- Patient philanthropy can compound over time
How It Connects to This Framework
Book 8's sustainability concepts and long-term thinking throughout.
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