I made a database for "art with EA vibes" — books, movies, and other works, fiction or nonfiction, that cover topics or ideas related to effective altruism and are aesthetically pleasing or interesting.^[1]

The second point is key. We already have reading lists for philosophy and such; this database covers content that most of us would read or watch for fun.^[2]

I've started off with 19 items and will add more, but I need your help to make this a true public resource! (And avoid subjecting everyone to my questionable taste.)

How can I submit something?

Use this form! Or leave a comment below if that feels easier.

If you have comments on something already listed (e.g. content warnings, suggested tags), or ideas to improve the database itself, leave a comment or send me a message.

What are you looking for?

I'd love to see content that:

• Was made to address EA topics (e.g. AI in Context videos)
• Was made to convey EA-flavored messages (e.g. HPMOR)^[3]
• Isn't related to EA, but still has the right vibes (e.g. Dr. Stone) or approaches related ideas in an interesting way (e.g. Consider the Lobster)
• Instills "EA values" like empathy or an appreciation for cause prioritization (e.g. Material World)
• Includes wise or heroic actions that might inspire people in EA, or make us feel warm and fuzzy inside (e.g. 500 Million, But Not A Single One More)

Specific genres we're short on:

• AI safety / transformative AI
• Animal welfare / sentience
• Biosecurity
• Cause selection / prioritization (and "EA thinking" in general)
• Scientific progress

If you're not sure whether something belongs, submit it! I'll check submissions regularly, and will let you know if I add your entry or have more questions.

Why did you make this?

1. As an EA group leader, I was always desperate for fun/casual activities. I hope that EA groups will use this for book clubs, movie nights, etc.
2. Based on karma for the top art/fiction posts, Forum users enjoy this kind of thing. Seems good to have a community list for the best content.
3. Content like this can suss out whether someone might be interested in EA. A friend who really digs Life in a Day is probably someone I can pitch on Giving What We Can without being too far off the mark.
4. Art and fiction feed my love for this community. I'm surrounded by the real-life equivalents of Ishigami Byakuya and Rational!Hermione, which makes it fun to read these stories (that's my friend!) and go to conferences (that's my hero!). If you feel the same way, this list is a way to meet new familiar characters.

1. ^{^}

   Given the problems we deal with, "interesting" can include "horrifying".

2. ^{^}

   By "us", I mean "people who have some interest in EA or related topics", not "Forum users" or "people who use the EA label".

3. ^{^}

   I wouldn't say that HPMOR is "about EA", but it's about solving problems via clear thinking and the application of the scientific method, which feels close enough (though EA doesn't own those things — no one owns the methods of rationality). Call it something like "humane rationality" if you prefer. Maybe Eliezer has some other way of referring to it?