'I was captivated by MacAskills rolling out of the possibilities of a longtermist approach to the now. It is vital to do as he does, to take ethics out of the safety of lecture-hall thought experiments, paradoxes and what-ifs and into the turbulent real world, where the dynamic winds of history blow and where is massing on the horizon that monstrous, swelling tsunami that we call the future. This is a book of great daring, clarity, insight and imagination. To be simultaneously so realistic and so optimistic, and always so damn readable well that is a miracle for which he should be greatly applauded.' Stephen Fry
'MacAskill is probably one of the most influential thinkers in the world.' The Times, Best Books of 2022
A brilliant book that makes clear both how much is at stake when it comes to the long term, and the incredible opportunities we have to shape it. It has changed how I think about my time on earth. Max Roser
This book isamonumental event. William MacAskill is one of the most important philosophers alive today, and this is his magnum opus. Rutger Bregman, author of Humankind
'No living philosopher has had a greater impact upon my ethics than Will MacAskill. And much of the good I now do is the direct result of his influence. InWhat We Owe The Future, MacAskill has transformed my thinking once again, by patiently dismantling the lazy intuitions that rendered me morally blind to the interests of future generations. This is an altogether thrilling and necessary book.' Sam Harris
'MacAskills case for longtermism the idea that positively influencing the longterm future is a key moral priority of our time isoverwhelmingly persuasive. But its alsounapologetically optimistic and bracingly realistic: this is by some distance the most inspiring book on ethical living Ive ever read a powerful argument in favour of freedom of speech and viewpoint diversity The overall promise of this thrilling book is of a life both less burdened by ethical guilt by beating yourself up over every choice of groceries or transportation and much more effective at actually helping humanity.' Guardian
'An optimistic look at the future that moved me to tears.'Joseph Gordon-Levitt
'A profoundly optimistic exploration of the opportunities our descendants might enjoy, and the steps we might take to help them there are plenty of insights and surprises along the way MacAskill has thrust an important and neglected argument into the spotlight, while making it vivid and fun to read. He hopes that this book will change the world, and it might.' Financial Times
'Remarkable MacAskills command of factual detail isadmirable. So are his lightness of prose and facility in explaining tricky argumentsIs our world better off for containing WilliamMacAskill?... I say yesMacAskill is a worthy heir to Derek Parfits philosophical legacy, adding deep factual research and accessible writing to a provocative line of thought.' TLS
