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Longtermist

You believe humanity’s greatest moral priority is ensuring future generations inherit a livable world and avoiding existential catastrophe.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Longtermism is a political and ethical ideology that prioritizes the long-term future of humanity, emphasizing the moral importance of ensuring that future generations can flourish. Its central tenet is that the well-being of people in the far future matters just as much as the well-being of people alive today, and that the actions we take now can have profound and lasting consequences for the trajectory of civilization. Longtermists argue that because the future could contain vastly more people than the present, even small changes in the probability of existential risks—such as nuclear war, pandemics, or unaligned artificial intelligence—can have enormous moral significance.

    The roots of longtermism can be traced to philosophical discussions about utilitarianism and the value of future lives, but it gained distinct momentum in the early 21st century, particularly within the effective altruism movement. Thinkers such as Nick Bostrom and Toby Ord at the University of Oxford played a pivotal role in formalizing the concept, especially through their work on existential risk and the potential for humanity to shape its own long-term destiny. The ideology has since influenced a range of academic, philanthropic, and policy discussions, encouraging governments, organizations, and individuals to consider the far-reaching impacts of their decisions.

    Longtermism is not tied to any specific country or traditional political spectrum, but rather represents a global perspective that seeks to transcend short-term interests and national boundaries. Its proponents advocate for policies and research that reduce existential risks, promote technological safety, and preserve options for future generations. While the ideology has sparked debate—particularly regarding the balance between present and future needs—it continues to shape conversations about global priorities and the ethical responsibilities of current generations to those yet unborn.

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Longtermist.

No Government

You believe individuals and communities can organize themselves voluntarily without any coercive state authority.

Ethical Artificial IntelligenceAlternative EnergyCRISPR TechnologyEconomic StimulusPublic Transportation

Objectivist

You believe rational pursuit of your own values and productivity is the moral foundation of a free and prosperous society.

Ethical Artificial IntelligenceAlternative EnergyCRISPR TechnologySpace ExplorationGovernment Spending

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

Alternative EnergySpace ExplorationPublic TransportationGovernment SpendingEconomic Stimulus

How similar are your political beliefs to Longtermist issues? Take the political quiz to find out.