Read The Precipice, write an essay, win money

At least the top 25 essays will also receive a free book.

Essays due June 15, 2024

$15,000

1st place, 1 winner

$5,000

2nd place, 3 winners

$2,000

3rd place, 6 winners

What People Are Saying about The Precipice

A book that seems made for the present moment … readers may find the sections that argue for why humanity deserves saving, and why we’re equipped to face the challenges, even more arresting than the array of potential cataclysms.

— New Yorker

This book is a wake-up call to the existential threats of nuclear and biological weapons, and the urgent need for action. A must-read that galvanizes us to play a role in addressing these risks.

— Angela Kane, former UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs

Meticulous in how it goes through and breaks down these threats and forces itself not to stop on easy answers, and to be really rigorous.

— Nate Silver, founder of FiveThirtyEight

About The Precipice by Toby Ord

Humanity stands at a precipice.

Our species could survive for millions of generations — enough time to end disease, poverty, and injustice; to reach new heights of flourishing. But this vast future is at risk. With the advent of nuclear weapons, humanity entered a new age, gaining the power to destroy ourselves, without the wisdom to ensure we won’t. Since then, these dangers have only multiplied, from climate change to engineered pandemics and unaligned artificial intelligence. If we do not act fast to reach a place of safety, it may soon be too late.

The Precipice explores the science behind the risks we face. It puts them in the context of the greater story of humanity: showing how ending these risks is among the most pressing moral issues of our time. And it points the way forward, to the actions and strategies we can take today to safeguard humanity’s future.

Learn more about The Precipice here. Or, watch this twenty-minute video for an overview of its ideas.

Eon Essay Contest does not receive any money from sales of The Precipice.

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If you are curious about The Precipice and cannot otherwise access a copy, complete this form to request a free copy.

Who are we?

The Eon Essay Contest is an effective altruism-aligned nonprofit; we believe in using reason and evidence to do good. We are raising awareness about the importance of avoiding existential risks. Existential risks are risks that threaten humanity’s entire future. Examples include pandemics, nuclear warfare, and artificial intelligence. We must avoid these risks to ensure future generations will flourish.