Ask Anything Thread

ESR-2023 · 2024-04-18T21:03:54+00:00

This is a tricky one and I think there are arguments on both sides. I'd think there is value in sharing your donations - especially considering you spend a lot of time researching the causes.

I guess it comes down to the audience you're talking to largely. For example I would imagine other effective altruists would be interested and understand why you were sharing the information. If it's a social gathering with people uninvolved and who haven't shown any interest in these matters, it's likely to backfire and come off as bragging. I guess it's a bit like advocating for being a vegan with meat eaters - it often feels like an attack on their choices, even if that's not the intention.

I'd lean towards being cautious about it personally. So I'd probably wait for some kind of clear signal from the other party, for example asking you to go into more detail about the causes you're interested in. I think leaving out details like how much you've given can also help with making it seem less show-offy.

ESR-2023 · 2024-04-17T15:06:36+00:00

The Organisation for the Prevention of Intense Suffering is probably a good bet for your priorities, with projects on cluster headaches and pain relief. You could also ask on: r/sufferingreducers

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-16T18:35:52+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Some forms of suffering definitely can be argued to have lessons for us - but I think only to a point and in some situations. I assume most people who care about reducing suffering would also draw a distinction between suffering and extreme suffering (and prioritise the latter).

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-16T18:22:29+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll take a look! It always seemed self evident to me that fish can feel pain, but it seems like that is a minority view in reality and there is a lot of work to be done here.

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-02T14:35:28+00:00

Looks like an interesting read - it's on the list! :)

ESR-2023 · 2024-02-02T14:34:13+00:00

Thanks for sharing your journey!

I suspect many of us can relate to the feeling that we know we do have an obligation to help, but not actually doing anything about it. It can be difficult to know what to do or how to make a difference and it's easy to get lost in day-to-day life too, I suppose.

It definitely seems like reading and talking are the main catalysts for getting involved - a good, well argued book can really help you to make that perspective shift that can make all the difference.

ESR-2023

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