“A better word would be “eutopia,” meaning “good place”—something to strive for.”
William MacAskill
What We Owe the Future Book Summary:
What We Owe the Future is a considerate and optimistic book by philosopher William MacAskill. It’s about one giant idea: the future counts for a lot possibly even more than we generally believe. MacAskill asserts that decisions we make now not only have consequences for us or people who exist today, but also billions or trillions of individuals who will exist after us, many generations from now.
The Big Idea: Longtermism
MacAskill introduces a powerful idea called longtermism. It means caring deeply about the long-term future of humanity is not just about what happens in the next few years, but what could happen over the next thousands or even millions of years. Just like we care about helping strangers or future generations in our family, longtermism is about caring for all future people.
He says that if human civilization endures for centuries to come, the future can be huge—long-filled with people enjoying fulfilling, happy lives. But we might also fumble really badly and prevent that future from ever materializing.
What We Owe the Future What Can Go Wrong?
MacAskill discusses the large risks which can ruin the future or even eliminate mankind. Some of the largest ones are:
- Climate change : If we don’t act, future generations will suffer a lot.
- Pandemics : Particularly deadly ones created in laboratories.
- Nuclear war : Which would end human civilization.
- Uncontrolled artificial intelligence : AI could get too powerful if we don’t use it well.
These are referred to as existential risks: things that would end the human story before it really begins.
Culture and Values Matter
Another fascinating concept in the book is that our values, what we hold to be right and wrong—have the ability to influence the future. As with harmful ideas of the past (such as slavery), what we believe today will determine the type of world we leave behind.
And if we stand up for good values such as fairness, freedom, and kindness and pass them on to other people, they can endure and create a world that’s improved for all people who follow. But if there are bad values, they’ll stick around long too. And so the battle for justice and equality is the battle for what’s next.
What Can We Do?
Although these issues sound huge, MacAskill thinks that we can all do our part. He provides suggestions for how we can do it:
- Tackle significant global issues.
- Give to charities and organizations that work to secure the future.
- Study and advocate for safe technology (such as AI safety).
- Demand action on climate.
- Carefully consider your career some careers can have a massive impact.
What We Owe the Future Details
| Title | What We Owe the Future |
| Author | William MacAskill |
| Publishing Date | January 1, 2022 |
| Genre | Philosophy, Nonfiction, Science, History, Audiobook, Politics, Economics |
| Rating | 4/5 |
About Author
William MacAskill is a Scottish philosopher, writer, and prominent figure in the effective altruism community. He publishes compelling works of non-fiction that examine how we can maximize our benefits to the world, both in the present day and over the long-term horizon. Witty and penetrating in his thinking, MacAskill is the writer of What We Owe the Future and Doing Good Better. His writing combines moral philosophy, forward-thinking modernity, and expert action putting complicated ideas in touch with personal and practical contexts. If you care about ethics, global change, or living a good life, MacAskill’s novels are an absolute read.
FAQs
This book is a reminder that the future is in our hands. What we do today can resonate for thousands of years. It’s not about saving the world—it’s about creating a better one, together, for the long term.
Though some sections of the book are serious, What We Owe the Future is not a frightening or depressing book. It’s hopeful. MacAskill feels that we can create a future filled with joy, beauty, and kindness if we make decisions wisely and conscientiously not only for ourselves, but for everyone who exists after us.
This book is the message of hope. It tells us that we need to pay attention to issues that are significant, that are not given enough publicity, and where we can make a difference.
