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 asteroid strikes. We must avoid these risks to ensure future generations will flourish.
The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity by Toby Ord, a philosopher at Oxford University, discusses some of the most important issues of our time. It raises awareness about existential risks, which are risks that threaten humanity’s long-term potential. Addressing these risks may be among the most pressing moral issues of our time.
To enter, students read the book and then write an essay of up to 1,200 words. Further details and the essay prompts are available on the contest website.
Eligibility
The Eon Essay Contest is open to all students (high school, undergraduate, and graduate) 13 and older.
Benefits
Students will win prize money. There are ten prizes available, ranging from 15,000 USD to 2,000 USD.
Essays due June 15, 2022
$15,000
1st place, one winner
Selected from all entrants
$5,000
2nd place, three winners
Selected from all entrants
$2,000
3rd place, six winners
Two winners selected from each age bracket
19-21 Age Bracket
If the ideas in this book are correct, what does that imply about what a group you are familiar with should be doing differently? What could incentivize them to do that? You may talk about a group like a research lab, a government body, a nonprofit, a media company, a corporation, or an international organization.
22+ Age Bracket
What, according to you, is missing from this book? This missing piece can be data, analysis, or an argument. The missing piece can either strengthen or weaken a conclusion from the book.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.