Should We Go Extinct!: A Philosophical Dilemma for Our Unbearable Times Authored By Todd May

Should we bring new humans into the world? Or would it be better off without us? Renowned philosopher and advisor to NBC’s The Good Place, Todd May, offers a thoughtful exploration of humanity’s future—or lack thereof.

“For more than five years, Todd May was my philosophical advisor. I heartily recommend that he be yours as well. (It helps that he’s quite funny.)” — Michael Schur, from the Introduction

In Should We Go Extinct?, May confronts the pressing question of whether the world would be better off without humans. Facing climate destruction and the revived specter of nuclear annihilation, humans continue to cause untold suffering to fellow creatures on Earth. May explores both sides of the argument, evaluating the positive and negative aspects of human existence. He delves into the unique value humans bring, including art and music, and contrasts this with the suffering inflicted on nature and non-human life.

May discusses the complex ethical considerations, such as ending factory farming, curbing animal testing, reducing the human population, and fostering empathy for all creatures. He seeks to understand if the benefits of human existence can justify the harm caused, and if not, what changes can mitigate this harm.

In a time of rising pessimism about the future, Should We Go Extinct? offers a crucial, timely examination of our responsibilities as a species. May provides a framework for understanding our impact on the world and presents a hopeful vision that we might one day agree that the answer to his provocative question should be No. 📚❤️