Doing Good Better by William MacAskill
We work hard for the money! So when we donate, we should want to be sure that we are “investing” in the most “profitable” (a.k.a. results-driven) organization ensuring that we are getting the biggest bang for our buck.
This is why William MacAskill wrote this book, Doing Good Better. While doing research at Oxford, he realized that most donation decisions are based on assumptions and emotions we have rather than the facts, and that when we ignore the facts our good intentions can actually lead to ineffective outcomes.
His antidote is effective altruism, asking certain key questions which force us to think differently, overcome biases we may have, and use evidence and careful reasoning rather than act on impulse. MacAskill believes that doing good is not enough, that we should aim to do good better by applying a few simple principles.
The first chapter of the book asks us each to consider how much wealth we have, comparatively speaking, indicating that if we earn more than $52,000/yr., we are in the richest 1% in the world and if we earn $28,000 – the typical income in the U.S. – we are in the richest 5% of the world’s population. This provides us with a tremendous opportunity to make a difference. To us, increasing our income by $1,000 may not have a significant impact on our lives, but increasing the income of someone in a developing country by $1,000 can transform their lives significantly, from living in extreme poverty to becoming self-sufficient. Another example (this one’s for the ladies) is spending $100 at Target on things that weren’t even on your list – the impact of that $100 on the quality of your life is insignificant when compared to what the impact that same $100 may have on the life of someone in Bangladesh.
Part 1 of his book covers the five key questions we should ask before donating:
1. How many people benefit, and by how much?
2. Is this the most effective thing you can do?
3. Is this area neglected?
4. What would have happened otherwise?
5. What are the chances of success, and how good would success be?
Part 2 offers practical information and frameworks for choosing a charity, a career, and a cause. And in his conclusion, he states that “Every one of us has the power to save dozens or hundreds of lives, or to significantly improve the welfare of thousands of people. When we apply the head and the heart to each of our altruistic endeavors, we have the power to do an astonishing amount of good.”
When I first read this book a couple of years ago, I was encouraged as it affirmed what I already believed – that PSDI’s work in Bangladesh is truly one of the most effective ways to impact the life of a family and ultimately improve our world. We are doing good better! In fact, just a couple of months after reading it, I called a donor who had just increased his monthly gift significantly to thank him and he told me that his son had recommended this book to him, and after reading it, he decided to give more to those organizations who were doing the most good! WOW!
But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself, then feel good about your donation to PSDI and the amazing return on your investment – eradicating extreme poverty one family at a time! And even consider increasing your donation just a bit to do even more good – just click here! Thank You.