[Article] “Be more ambitious: a rational case for dreaming big (if you want to do good)” by Benjamin Todd

Self-help often says you should be more ambitious. This isn't always good advice. But if you want to do good, here are 4 reasons it makes sense.

Narrated by AI.

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Outline:

(01:40) In a nutshell: why to be more ambitious

(02:54) What do we mean by being more ambitious?

(04:05) Four reasons to be more ambitious

(04:45) 1. A small chance of achieving a lot can still be worth a great deal (and much more than in your personal life)

(08:29) 2. Upside scenarios can be where most of the expected impact is from

(09:38) 3. You might surprise yourself

(10:36) 4. Low-probability bets are neglected

(12:27) Limiting downside risks

(12:44) Why limit downsides first?

(12:49) Downsides for the world

(13:45) Personal downsides

(14:26) How to limit downsides

(17:22) What are the reasons against aiming high?

(18:44) Conclusion

(19:44) Learn more

(20:37) Read next

The original text contained 1 footnote which was omitted from this narration.

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First published:
November 12th, 2021

Last updated:
March 13th, 2023

Source:
https://80000hours.org/articles/be-more-ambitious

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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