Doing Good Better: Summary and Key Insights

"Doing Good Better" by William MacAskill is a book that presents a compelling framework for effective altruism, also known as doing the most good possible with our resources. MacAskill, a philosopher and one of the co-founders of the effective altruism movement, provides readers with a practical guide on how to make a positive impact in the world by focusing on evidence-based, high-impact interventions.

The Premise and Background

The book's premise is simple: our efforts to do good in the world should be guided by reason and evidence rather than unexamined intuitions or traditional approaches. MacAskill argues that by applying rigorous analysis and considering the long-term consequences of our actions, we can maximize our positive impact.

MacAskill draws on his experiences in the effective altruism community, a movement that advocates for using evidence and reason to determine the most effective ways to help others. Through inspiring stories, thought-provoking examples, and real-world data, he challenges readers to question their current charitable practices and consider alternative, more impactful approaches.

Key Points and Insights

1. The Principle of Effective Altruism

MacAskill introduces the principle of effective altruism, which emphasizes actively seeking out the most effective ways to help others. He argues that we should focus on causes and interventions that have the greatest potential to do good, rather than relying on gut feelings or traditional narratives.

Key evidence/examples: Pinker's research on global poverty reduction, cost-effectiveness of malaria bed nets, the cost of saving a life through different interventions.

2. The Importance of Cause Selection

MacAskill emphasizes the significance of cause selection in our efforts to make a difference. He provides a framework for identifying high-impact causes and evaluating their effectiveness based on evidence. By choosing causes that are neglected, solvable, and highly effective, we can magnify our positive impact.

Key evidence/examples: The impact of interventions in global health, self-driving cars versus poverty alleviation, and animal welfare.

3. Personal Career and Lifestyle Choices

The author encourages readers to carefully consider their career and lifestyle choices to maximize their positive impact. He argues that individuals can make a substantial difference by pursuing impactful careers, earning to give, or advocating for change within their existing profession.

Key evidence/examples: Comparison of earnings in different careers, the value of skilled professionals in effective organizations, and the concept of "earning to give".

4. Assessing Charities and Organizations

MacAskill provides practical guidelines for evaluating the effectiveness of charities and organizations. He suggests examining their track record, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and room for more funding. By supporting organizations with evidence-backed interventions and a strong ability to scale, we can maximize the impact of our donations.

Key evidence/examples: Evaluation of top charities using criteria like "room for more funding" and "cost-effectiveness", comparison of different interventions and their impact.

Conclusion

"Doing Good Better" is a thought-provoking book that challenges conventional wisdom in the realm of charitable giving and social impact. MacAskill presents compelling arguments and evidence, urging readers to approach altruism in a rational, evidence-based manner. By focusing on cause selection, personal choices, and effective evaluation of organizations, we can significantly enhance our positive impact on the world.

To dive deeper into the concepts discussed in the book, readers are encouraged to explore the effective altruism movement and related resources. Other recommended reads include Peter Singer's "The Life You Can Save" and Toby Ord's "The Precipice" for further insights into effective altruism and ethical decision-making in a complex world.