FIRSTPRINCIPLESFOR THE FUTURE
Technology is not neutral.
It reshapes how we work, move, govern, connect—and ultimately, how we define what it means to be human.
We believe the next generation must not only learn to build technology, but to question it.
What kind of future are we creating? Who benefits? Who doesn't? What do we keep, what do we resist, and what do we build instead? How do we align technological innovation to human flourishing?
A New Kind of Textbook
First Principles for the Future is an open-access, chapter-by-chapter guide to navigating the moral, civic, and philosophical questions behind modern technology. Designed for citizens who want to help align this coming wave of technological innovation to human flourishing.
Built for Action, Not Abstraction
Alongside essays and frameworks, we feature interviews with real-world builders—startup founders, scientists, and public servants—who are actively wrestling with the ethical stakes of their work.
What is Human Flourishing?
Where Are We Relative To Flourishing Today?
What Technology Gets Us Closer to Flourishing?
Written by Dozens of Experts
From engineers to philosophers, startup founders to policy makers—this textbook brings together diverse voices actively wrestling with technology's impact on human flourishing.
Dr. Sarah Chen
AI Ethics Researcher
Marcus Rodriguez
Tech Policy Analyst
Prof. Aisha Patel
Digital Rights Advocate
David Kim
Startup Founder
Dr. Elena Vasquez
Climate Tech Scientist
James Thompson
Philosophy Professor
Dr. Fatima Al-Rashid
Cybersecurity Expert
Alex Chen
UX Designer
Dr. Michael Brown
Bioethics Researcher
Priya Sharma
Data Scientist
Dr. Robert Johnson
Economics Professor
Lisa Wang
Product Manager
Dr. Ahmed Hassan
AI Researcher
Maria Santos
Policy Maker
Dr. Jennifer Lee
Neuroscientist
Carlos Mendez
Social Entrepreneur
Dr. Rachel Green
Environmental Scientist
Kevin Park
Software Engineer
Dr. Zara Ali
Digital Anthropologist
Thomas Wilson
Innovation Consultant
Dr. Nina Petrov
Quantum Computing Expert
Ryan O'Connor
Venture Capitalist
Dr. Kenji Tanaka
Robotics Engineer
Sophie Martin
Digital Rights Lawyer
Want to contribute?
We're always looking for new voices and perspectives. Join our community of thinkers, builders, and changemakers.
Become an AuthorChapters
What is Human Flourishing
Examining the fundamental question of what it means for humans to thrive and flourish in the modern world.
Economic Systems in the Digital Age
Synthesizing perspectives on capitalism, socialism, and emerging economic models in the context of AI and automation.
Privacy vs. Security
Balancing individual privacy rights with collective security needs in an increasingly connected world.
Climate Action & Innovation
Exploring technological solutions, policy frameworks, and behavioral changes needed to address climate change.
Global Governance & Technology
How should international institutions evolve to govern emerging technologies and global challenges?
The Future of Work
Reimagining human purpose, education, and economic participation in an age of artificial intelligence.