A Goodreads user
asked:
What will I do differently after I read this book or what will it tell me that another philanthropy will not? Thanks, Sandra
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Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference,
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Zack
The main takeaways:
- It's important to use evidence and reason when evaluating the impact you can do, both in terms of donations and using your career to make a difference
- The most effective interventions are the most surprising. For instance, the author claims that it is more effective to work in e.g. management consulting early in your career (donating the huge salary you're making) than to work for a non-profit.
- It's important to be pragmatic about doing good–keeping yourself surrounded with like-minded people, doing a job you enjoy, etc.
All in all, it's a unique viewpoint on doing good in the world–very different from a lot of other arguments.
- It's important to use evidence and reason when evaluating the impact you can do, both in terms of donations and using your career to make a difference
- The most effective interventions are the most surprising. For instance, the author claims that it is more effective to work in e.g. management consulting early in your career (donating the huge salary you're making) than to work for a non-profit.
- It's important to be pragmatic about doing good–keeping yourself surrounded with like-minded people, doing a job you enjoy, etc.
All in all, it's a unique viewpoint on doing good in the world–very different from a lot of other arguments.
Kelly Kerns
It depends on how you use the book. I think you will(should) consider, but not be limited by, a disciplined approach to asking the important questions about the actual impact your engagement will have.
Like consumer purchases, we all have a choice in when/if/how we engage in philanthropy, donate to charity, or spend out time. We should always look for the best value, but sometimes we just want to do something that pleases us.
Many of the reviews mention that this book will take all the fun out of philanthropy. I hope that's not the case. Do good, but enjoy it! :)
Like consumer purchases, we all have a choice in when/if/how we engage in philanthropy, donate to charity, or spend out time. We should always look for the best value, but sometimes we just want to do something that pleases us.
Many of the reviews mention that this book will take all the fun out of philanthropy. I hope that's not the case. Do good, but enjoy it! :)
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