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Modern WisdomOct 8, 2020

#229 - Mara Cortona - Why Is No One Talking About Existential Risk?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #229 - Mara Cortona - Why Is No One Talking About Existential Risk? on Modern Wisdom.

Guest: Mara Cortona

Notable books mentioned: The Precipice by Toby Ord, We Are Gods by Eric Weinstein, Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom

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The Precipice cover
Mentioned at 3:30
The Precipice
Toby Ord

The host mentions 'The Precipice' by Toby Ord to highlight the critical understanding of existential risks and their implications for humanity. The…

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We Are Gods cover
Mentioned at 47:45
We Are Gods
Eric Weinstein

The host discusses the implications of colonizing other planets and the potential for human nature to repeat past atrocities. They reference Eric W…

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Children of Ruin cover
Mentioned at 55:06
Children of Ruin
Adrian Tchaikovsky

The host mentions 'Children of Ruin' to illustrate the concept of genetically modified beings and their potential role in the universe. This refere…

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#229 - Mara Cortona - Why Is No One Talking About Existential Risk?
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Episode summary, books & quotes

#229 - Mara Cortona - Why Is No One Talking About Existential Risk? mentions The Precipice by Toby Ord, We Are Gods by Eric Weinstein, Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky, and Superintelligence by Nick Bostrom with timestamps, quotes, and episode context.

The PrecipiceWe Are GodsChildren of RuinSuperintelligence
Guest: Mara Cortona
Episode summary
Mara Cortona is the Executive Director of the Astropolitics Institute and Founder of Nöonaut. The world is going to end. Eventually. For most of us that concern is far away, but the smartest minds in the world of existential risk put the likelihood that we survive the next century at 1 in 3. With this hugely terrifying statistic hanging over our heads, why is no one focussing on the big problems? Poorly aligned Artificial General Intelligence, Biotechnology and other risks are significantly more dangerous than global warming or the 2020 election but get paid far less lip service.
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Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for #229 - Mara Cortona - Why Is No One Talking About Existential Risk? on Modern Wisdom.

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These are the strongest takeaways surfaced by the transcript, summary copy, and linked mentions for #229 - Mara Cortona - Why Is No One Talking About Existential Risk?.

  • The conversation centers on colonization and human nature.
  • A second recurring theme is existential risk discussion.
  • Referenced books include The Precipice by Toby Ord and We Are Gods by Eric Weinstein.
  • The strongest audience signal points to Individuals interested in existential risks and technology's role in society and Individuals interested in ethics of technology and space exploration.
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Which books are mentioned in #229 - Mara Cortona - Why Is No One Talking About Existential Risk??

The Precipice by Toby Ord, We Are Gods by Eric Weinstein, and Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Top triggers
colonization and human nature(1)existential risk discussion(1)existential risks(1)humanity's moral responsibility(1)
Mention sentiment
Deep Dive(2)Passing Reference(2)
Audience signals
Individuals interested in existential risks and technology's role in societyIndividuals interested in ethics of technology and space explorationscience fiction enthusiasts and those interested in existential themesReaders interested in AI and existential philosophy

Books Mentioned

The Precipice cover
The Precipice
Toby Ord
Best for Individuals interested in existential risks and technology's role in societyOften cited around existential risk discussion

“The interesting thing that I learned upon reading Toby Ord's The Precipice, which is going to contribute to a big chunk of my understanding for what we're talking about today.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in existential risks and technology's role in society
Key quote: “The interesting thing that I learned upon reading Toby Ord's The Precipice, which is going to contribute to a big chunk of my understanding for what we're talking about today.”
The host mentions 'The Precipice' by Toby Ord to highlight the critical understanding of existential risks and their implications for humanity. The book contributes significantly to the conversation about how technology can both pose risks and offer solutions to these existential threats.
ASIN: 031648492X
Buy on Amazon
We Are Gods cover
We Are Gods
Eric Weinstein
Best for Individuals interested in ethics of technology and space explorationOften cited around colonization and human nature

“The discussion touches on the balance of power and wisdom in society, referencing Eric Weinstein's work.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Deep Dive
For: Individuals interested in ethics of technology and space exploration
Key quote: “it's uh eric weinstein uh we are gods but for the wisdom yes”
The host discusses the implications of colonizing other planets and the potential for human nature to repeat past atrocities. They reference Eric Weinstein's book 'We Are Gods' to emphasize the need for wisdom to accompany our growing power in space exploration.
ASIN: B0G4XH4HT6
Buy on Amazon
Children of Ruin cover
Children of Ruin
Adrian Tchaikovsky
Best for science fiction enthusiasts and those interested in existential themesOften cited around humanity's moral responsibility

“The book 'Children of Ruin' is mentioned as a thought-provoking read involving genetically modified octopuses.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: science fiction enthusiasts and those interested in existential themes
Key quote: “wonderful book if anyone wants to read something that'll make your brain explode”
The host mentions 'Children of Ruin' to illustrate the concept of genetically modified beings and their potential role in the universe. This reference serves to highlight the unique burden of consciousness and morality that humans carry compared to other species.
ASIN: B07RB7WQR3
Buy on Amazon
Superintelligence cover
Superintelligence
Nick Bostrom
Best for Readers interested in AI and existential philosophyOften cited around existential risks

“The mention of 'Superintelligence' by Nick Bostrom relates to feelings of melancholy and grounding after reading about existential risks.”

View mention details
Sentiment: Passing Reference
For: Readers interested in AI and existential philosophy
Key quote: “The mention of 'Superintelligence' by Nick Bostrom relates to feelings of melancholy and grounding after reading about existential risks.”
The host brings up 'Superintelligence' to highlight the emotional impact of contemplating existential risks. This book serves as a grounding point for understanding the complexities of advanced artificial intelligence and its potential threats.
ASIN: B00LPMFE9Y
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