Executive summary: Reflecting on global catastrophic risks, as the Stoics did, can help us avoid them and appreciate what matters most, even if humanity goes extinct.
Key points:
The Stoic practice of premeditatio malorum, or anticipating adversity, may be more anxiety-provoking today given the possibility of human extinction.
Philosophers argue human extinction would destroy the potential value of our future and rob our current lives of meaning.
Seriously considering catastrophic risks can help avoid them, as seen in government risk assessments.
Even in catastrophic scenarios, some humans may survive, so preserving aspects of our culture is important.
If humanity goes extinct, leaving records could warn other potential civilizations in the universe of existential risks.
While contemplating human extinction is unsettling, it can help us focus on what matters most and feel less divided.
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Executive summary: Reflecting on global catastrophic risks, as the Stoics did, can help us avoid them and appreciate what matters most, even if humanity goes extinct.
Key points:
The Stoic practice of premeditatio malorum, or anticipating adversity, may be more anxiety-provoking today given the possibility of human extinction.
Philosophers argue human extinction would destroy the potential value of our future and rob our current lives of meaning.
Seriously considering catastrophic risks can help avoid them, as seen in government risk assessments.
Even in catastrophic scenarios, some humans may survive, so preserving aspects of our culture is important.
If humanity goes extinct, leaving records could warn other potential civilizations in the universe of existential risks.
While contemplating human extinction is unsettling, it can help us focus on what matters most and feel less divided.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.
I never said Stoics reflected on GCR