The Precipice

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.