How Long Could Humanity Continue For? - Will MacAskill - #512

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello everybody, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Will MacAskill. He's a philosopher, ethicist, and one of the originators of the Effective Altruism movement. Humans understand that long-term thinking is a good idea, that we need to provide a good place for future generations to live. We tried to leave the world better than when we arrived for this very reason. But what about the world in 100,000 years, or 8 billion? If there's trillions of human lives still to come, how should that change the way that we act right now? Expect to learn why we're living through a particularly crucial time in the history of the future, the dangers of locking in any set of values, how to avoid the future being ruled by a malevolent dictator, whether the world has too many or too few people on it, how likely a global civilizational collapse is, why technological stagnation is a death sentence, and much more. I think that this is a very interesting conversation. considering the fact that we might have a galaxy colonizing civilization on our hands, and the fact that we see things mostly on human lifespan timelines, and the very most, maybe 100 years out, we're not thinking about the huge long-termism scales that Will's talking about here. And it's a very interesting philosophical question. What sacrifices should we make in the moment for successes in the future? I really like it. I think you're gonna enjoy this one. In other news, this episode is brought to you by Element. Element is the best way to start your morning. You need to make sure that you've got proper hydration throughout the day and Element contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium and magnesium with no junk, no sugar, no coloring, no artificial ingredients, no gluten, no fillers and no BS. Proper hydration plays a critical role in reducing muscle cramps and fatigue while optimizing brain health, regulating appetite and curbing cravings. On top of that, it just tastes good, right? It's a beautiful orangey salty drink first thing in the morning and their mango chili is like a sober margarita that you can start your day with. Also, you can get a free sample pack of all eight flavors from Element when you buy your first box. Head to drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get that deal. Plus they have a no BS, no questions asked refund policy with an unlimited time limit. So you can buy it 100% risk free and you don't even have to return the box if you don't like it. drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom. In other other news, this episode is brought to you by Pure Sport, a revolutionary CBD and natural supplement company who want to help more people reconnect with their well-being. If you struggle with sleep, stress or anxiety, or just need some help trying to relax and switch off, Pure Sport's product range include all natural products and premium quality trustworthy CBD, which is scientifically formulated to help work with your brain and your body. Their unwind CBD and nootropic oil is a mixture of CBD, ashwagandha, lavender and chamomile crafted to help re-regulate your sleep cycle and help achieve good quality, restorative sleep. The formulation is scientifically balanced to work with the neurotransmitters in your brain, which release chemicals responsible for sleep. You will fall asleep more easily on the night time, wake up less throughout the night and find yourself in the morning feeling more rested and revitalized. Also, you can get 20% of all full priced items by going to bit.ly slash CBD wisdom. That's bit.ly slash CBD wisdom. The code MW20 at checkout will get you 20% of all full priced items. And in final news, this episode is brought to you by Athletic Greens. You are not eating enough fruit and vegetables in your diet. And you know it. And this is going to help. Even if you have the best diet imaginable, it is hard to get all of the nutrients, micronutrients and everything else that you need to continue moving forward effectively. Athletic Greens is nutritional insurance. It means that no matter how your day has gone, you know that you have covered the bases that you need. One scoop of Athletic Greens contains 75 vitamins, minerals and whole food sourced ingredients, including a multivitamin, multi-mineral, pre and probiotic, green superfood blend and more that all work together to fill the nutritional gaps in your diet. It increases energy and focus, aids with digestion and supports a healthy immune system, all without the need to take multiple products or pills. Also they offer a 60-day money back guarantee, so you can buy it and try it for 59 days. And if you do not like it, they will give you your money back. They also offer a year's free supply of vitamin D, five free travel packs, free pots, shakers and free shipping. If you go to athleticgreens.com/modernwisdom, that's athleticgreens.com/modernwisdom.