Plot Summary

What We Owe the Future

William MacAskill

What We Owe the Future

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2022

Book Brief

William MacAskill

What We Owe the Future

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

335

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

What We Owe the Future by William MacAskill explores the concept of longtermism, which emphasizes considering the impact of current actions on future generations. The book discusses ethical responsibility, decision-making, and strategies to positively shape the distant future, encouraging individuals to prioritize long-term outcomes in societal and global contexts.

Informative

Contemplative

Inspirational

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.9

7,863 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

William MacAskill's What We Owe the Future explores long-termism and ethical decision-making for future generations. Positives highlight its thought-provoking arguments and rigorous research. Some criticisms touch on its speculative nature and potential oversight of immediate issues. Overall, it sparks valuable discourse on future-oriented ethics.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What We Owe the Future?

Ideal for readers interested in ethical philosophy, future studies, and global impact. Comparable to readers of Derek Parfit’s Reasons and Persons or Steven Pinker’s Enlightenment Now, it appeals to those intrigued by long-term thinking and moral responsibility toward future generations.

3.9

7,863 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

335

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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