Book Review: The Most Good You Can Do

Peter Singer´s “The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically”; is an engaging exploration of the philosophy and practice of “effective altruism”. Singer aims to challenge traditional conceptions of altruism and charity, presenting a new, more impactful approach to philanthropy and social responsibility. His approach can work not only for us as individuals, but also for our organizations! The core concept of the book is that we should be using our resources—whether it´s our time, skills, or money—to do the most good possible, and not merely a respectable or notable amount. Singer is persuasive in his argument, utilizing his prowess as a philosopher, he introduces us to a rigorous utilitarian evaluation of philanthropy.

Rather than just giving for the sake of feeling good or fulfilling a perceived moral obligation, effective altruism encourages us to consider the measurable impact of our giving. While the book does an excellent job presenting effective altruism as an impactful method for improving the world, it did leave us feeling somewhat uncomfortable. This is due to the unflinching rationality with which Singer approaches the topic of charity. He doesn´t shy away from challenging notions about personal gain and emotional connections in charitable giving, which can seem cold or dismissive of sentimental values. Singer´s philosophy will not resonate with everyone. His utilitarian approach, while practical and compelling, can come across as cold or calculating and fails to take into consideration any spiritual or metaphysical dimensions of charity. And yet, if you are open to challenging your views and engaging with a rational and rigorous approach to doing good in the world, you will find “The Most Good You Can Do” a thoroughly enlightening read.

What Does ‘Effective Altruism’ mean for your organization?

Non-profits can gain considerable insights from Singer´s approach, and you may want to apply his principles of effective altruism to your own practices in your efforts to make a greater impact on the world.

Donations and Philanthropy: Organizations like yours often give back to communities or causes, and Singer´s book can help guide more impactful giving. Rather than giving arbitrarily or based on personal affiliations, your organizations could assess the effectiveness of different partners and support the ones that demonstrate the highest potential for impact per dollar spent.

Ethical Business Practices: Singer stresses the importance of reducing harm and promoting good. Organizations can apply this to their business models by considering the ethical implications of their operations, such as the welfare of their employees, their impact on the environment, or their influence on local communities.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Organizations can also maximize their impact through strategic partnerships. By collaborating with other organizations that have a proven track record of effectiveness, they can leverage their combined resources for greater social impact.

Measurement and Evaluation: A key aspect of effective altruism is the ongoing valuation of the impact of one´s actions. Organizations should therefore continually assess and adjust their strategies and business practices to ensure they´re having the most substantial positive impact possible.

By applying Singer´s principles of effective altruism, organizations can move beyond just doing good—they can strive to do the most good possible. However, as Singer´s book makes clear, this approach can be challenging and may require a shift in thinking. It requires organizations to think critically about their actions and decisions and to prioritize outcomes over intentions. This is a rigorous process, but one that can lead to significant positive change. 

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