8. Underestimating global risks because
of emotional reluctance to consider your personal demise
People
are not keen on considering global threats because they have become accustomed
to the inevitability of their personal death and have developed psychological
protective mechanisms against these thoughts. Yet, amelioration of global risks
demands that people of all kinds—scientists, politicians,
businessmen—put aside these thoughts and devote collective effort towards
considering these risks anyway, even if they are threatening on a personal and
visceral level.