Here is a defintion:
Effective altruism (EA) is a philosophical and social movement that advocates "using evidence and reason to figure out how to benefit others as much as possible, and taking action on that basis". People who pursue the goals of effective altruism are labeled effective altruists.
Common practices of effective altruists include significant charitable donation and choosing careers based on the amount of good that the career achieves, which may include the strategy of earning to give. An estimated $416 million was donated to effective charities identified by the movement in 2019, representing a 37% annual growth rate since 2015. Famous philanthropists influenced by effective altruism include Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, Sam Bankman-Fried, Dan Smith, and Liv Boeree. Popular cause priorities within effective altruism include global health and development, animal welfare, and risks to the survival of humanity over the long-term future.
The philosophy of effective altruism emphasizes impartiality, with broad applications to the prioritization of scientific projects, entrepreneurial ventures, and policy initiatives estimated to save the most lives or reduce the most suffering. Whether or not effective altruists should consider difficult-to-measure but potentially high-impact interventions such as institutional or structural change remains controversial.
end of definition
I admire people who try to be effective altruists. I think it might be even more noble than to be antinatalist. Though of course you can combine both. I am not fully convinced of antinatalism. But I read a lot of in this forum which nudges me in favor of antinatalism.
I know someone who tries to be effective altruist. I am not sure whether he defines himself as one but I know he acts on similar moral principles. I admire that. Such stories give me a little bit hope for humanity. Though there is a huge imbalance in favor of selfish assholes.
I think I would never have become an effective altruist. The way my parents raised me was quite the opposite. In the end the way I was raised will probably force me to ctb. Me personally I am not an effective altruist. To be honest I don't feel strong enough. I think the best I can do for the people around me is to concentrate on avoiding suicide. Maybe this is just an excuse of being selfish. But I try to avoid my suicide. I spend all my energy and time on it.
I don't have the feeling I have the capabilities to be an effective altruist. I still try to act morally right in most cases. But I am also a selfish because I am very vulnerable. I demand way more than I can offer to other people. Though I try at least not to traumatize people with my suicide. I try to prepare these people while I do my desperate attempts to prevent the worst case.
Oh by the way one thing. I doubt that many of these "wanna be effective altruists" on these list really fit the description. I laugh my ass off when I hear Warren Buffet and Bill Gates call themselves effective altruists. These people should rather pay normal taxes (without avoiding schemes) before they claim to be altruistic. For them it is just a label to feel superior.
Effective altruism (EA) is a philosophical and social movement that advocates "using evidence and reason to figure out how to benefit others as much as possible, and taking action on that basis". People who pursue the goals of effective altruism are labeled effective altruists.
Common practices of effective altruists include significant charitable donation and choosing careers based on the amount of good that the career achieves, which may include the strategy of earning to give. An estimated $416 million was donated to effective charities identified by the movement in 2019, representing a 37% annual growth rate since 2015. Famous philanthropists influenced by effective altruism include Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, Sam Bankman-Fried, Dan Smith, and Liv Boeree. Popular cause priorities within effective altruism include global health and development, animal welfare, and risks to the survival of humanity over the long-term future.
The philosophy of effective altruism emphasizes impartiality, with broad applications to the prioritization of scientific projects, entrepreneurial ventures, and policy initiatives estimated to save the most lives or reduce the most suffering. Whether or not effective altruists should consider difficult-to-measure but potentially high-impact interventions such as institutional or structural change remains controversial.
end of definition
I admire people who try to be effective altruists. I think it might be even more noble than to be antinatalist. Though of course you can combine both. I am not fully convinced of antinatalism. But I read a lot of in this forum which nudges me in favor of antinatalism.
I know someone who tries to be effective altruist. I am not sure whether he defines himself as one but I know he acts on similar moral principles. I admire that. Such stories give me a little bit hope for humanity. Though there is a huge imbalance in favor of selfish assholes.
I think I would never have become an effective altruist. The way my parents raised me was quite the opposite. In the end the way I was raised will probably force me to ctb. Me personally I am not an effective altruist. To be honest I don't feel strong enough. I think the best I can do for the people around me is to concentrate on avoiding suicide. Maybe this is just an excuse of being selfish. But I try to avoid my suicide. I spend all my energy and time on it.
I don't have the feeling I have the capabilities to be an effective altruist. I still try to act morally right in most cases. But I am also a selfish because I am very vulnerable. I demand way more than I can offer to other people. Though I try at least not to traumatize people with my suicide. I try to prepare these people while I do my desperate attempts to prevent the worst case.
Oh by the way one thing. I doubt that many of these "wanna be effective altruists" on these list really fit the description. I laugh my ass off when I hear Warren Buffet and Bill Gates call themselves effective altruists. These people should rather pay normal taxes (without avoiding schemes) before they claim to be altruistic. For them it is just a label to feel superior.
Last edited:
