The Precipice

Toby Ord’s sobering and deeply researched examination of existential threats explores pivotal challenges like climate change, nuclear war, and AI. I’m fascinated by his thoughtful analysis, which positions humanity at a crossroads where our choices today could determine whether we thrive or collapse.

This book aligns closely with many of my own concerns, particularly in its discussion of AI as a potential existential risk. Ord’s emphasis on responsible stewardship of powerful technologies echoes my concerns about autonomous weapons and the unpredictability of AI decision-making. His call for ethical governance and adaptation in global security is crucial as we determine AI’s… show more.

This is a fascinating book that explores the risks to humanity’s future, from well-documented threats such as climate change and weapons of mass destruction to less understood dangers emanating from disruptive technologies and man-made pandemics.

Ord, an Oxford philosopher, does an impressive job at explaining complex scientific issues in terms easily digestible for a broader audience. The book also develops important moral frameworks for tackling a wide range of existential risks.

The Precipice is a breathtaking work on the importance of the present era we live in, and the enormous challenges we face. In simple and clear prose, The Precipice goes into incredible detail about existential risks – from advanced artificial intelligence to engineered pathogens to nuclear war – that threaten the very existence of future generations. I learned something new in every chapter, even on topics I thought I knew well. 

The central metaphor of the book is that humanity stands at a precipice. With new technology, we are rapidly gaining the ability to destroy ourselves, and the threat of an existential catastrophe looms large over our generation. But, if we get things right, we might be able to enjoy a long and flourishing future. 

Toby’s book is the best resource we know of on what you need to know about these risks, and how you could have a high positive impact by working to prevent them.