Many people view Buddhism and Longtermism as two diametrically
opposed philosophies. After all, Buddhism is all about living in the present
moment, while Longtermism is all about making sacrifices today to improve the
future. However, I believe that these two philosophies can work together quite
well.
Here’s why: first, it’s important to remember that Buddhism
is not just about living in the present moment. It’s also about compassion and
altruism. One of the central tenets of Buddhism is the idea of karma, which
teaches us that our actions have an impact not just on ourselves but on others
as well. This principle can easily be applied to the idea of Longtermism. Let’s
act in ways that are likely to improve the long-term. We will not only benefit
future generations but also increase the overall happiness and well-being of
all sentient beings.
Furthermore, both Longtermism and Buddhism strongly
emphasize the importance of wisdom. To make sacrifices that will benefit the
future, we need to clearly understand what will likely create the most favorable
long-term outcomes. And to live in the present moment without getting caught up
in our desires and fears, we need to develop a deep understanding of the nature
of reality. Fortunately, many resources are available to help us develop these
kinds of insights, including the teachings of the Buddha.
So, I believe that it is possible to practice Longtermism in
a way that is consistent with the principles of Buddhism. By combining our
wisdom with compassion and altruism, we can make sacrifices today to create a
better future for all sentient beings.