Take the course
How to (actually) change the world
Thinking critically about how you can use your career to solve the world's most important problems.
2.8k+ recent learners
14 free lessons
takes 1-2 hrs to finish
What you'll be able to do
This course covers the foundational toolkit to work out how you could make a large and lasting difference in the world.
Analyze problems to find where you can make the biggest difference.
Make a plan for how you'll live an impactful and fulfilling life.
Take action now to help others and best set yourself up for the future.
"A succinct and engaging overview of important ideas!"
- Hugo V.
"Clear, data-driven, and actionable! Inspired me to want to learn more!"
- Stephen M.
"Rather splendid. Easy to use, nice drawings, clear language."
- Niko K.
Course outline
Which problem should you work on?
Find an important problem where you can make the biggest difference.
How to achieve hundreds of times more
Choosing the most critical problem
We radically improved the world, and could again
How to be irreplaceable
Identifying and tackling prejudice
How to manage uncertainty in impact
Your most impactful, fulfilling career
How to best set yourself up for a world-changing career.
What to expect
Finish each lesson in 5-10 minutes, and the whole course in 1-2 hours
3 chapters, 14 lessons, 45 quizzes
No prerequisites, beginner-friendly
Always up-to-date, with relevant citations
Course outcomes
Learn core concepts for understanding the world, like how to make decisions under uncertainty
Reflect on your values and life goals
Answer quizzes to check your understanding
Consider what you should do in real-world scenarios
This course is for you if...
You want to find your path to making the biggest difference in the world
You want to apply big-picture ideas from science and philosophy to make smarter decisions
You want to learn the foundations of effective altruism - a philosophy and community focused on doing as much good as you can
Peter McIntyre
Course author,
Founder of Non-trivial
Note from the author
I've started 2 non-profits that raise millions of dollars per year, ran operations at one of the most successful crypto startups, and advised hundreds of graduates from top universities on how to find a fulfilling, impactful career.
Before founding Non-trivial, I spent most of the last 5 years at 80,000 Hours, a non-profit that provides free online research and personalised career advice to talented undergraduates and young professionals.
I started out in medical school. After I discovered the ideas in this course, I realised I could have a much more scalable impact outside of seeing patients but by that point, I'd spent 7 years studying to be a doctor. I created this course so you don't have to make the same mistakes I did.
“For all aspiring do-gooders and young idealists: this is a fantastic, evidence-based course on 'how to (actually) change the world'. Some really useful stuff for teachers here as well.”
Rutger Bregman
Historian and Author