The Limits of Our Sympathy for People Far Away

In Adam Smith's day, it was hard to know whether people far away needed our help. In today's world, instant communications and air travel mean we can help those far from us in ways that were impossible in Smith's day. Far away is where the vast majority of the extremely poor are; charitable dollars can go the farthest. People will give more support for saving 80% of 100 lives at risk than for saving 20%.