Get Happier, Help Others: Some Good Ideas About Giving
Dec 2, 2024
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Elie Hassenfeld, Co-founder and CEO of GiveWell, dives into the transformative power of charitable giving. He discusses how spending on others often brings more happiness than spending on oneself. The conversation highlights effective charities and the importance of transparency in philanthropy. They explore the psychological barriers to giving and the evolving landscape of charitable contributions. Hassenfeld shares insights on empowering individuals through targeted donations, showcasing how strategic giving can make a real difference.
Research highlights that spending money on others boosts happiness for the giver more than spending on oneself.
Experts stress the importance of transparent charities with measurable impact for effective and informed charitable giving decisions.
The podcast discusses the mental biases that hinder charitable giving, encouraging a focus on the joy of altruism instead.
Deep dives
The Happiness Benefits of Pets
Spending time with pets can significantly improve mood and overall happiness during tough days. Research has shown that interaction with pets yields various psychological benefits, such as reduced stress and increased feelings of joy. The podcast highlights the Purple Leash Project by Purina, aimed at creating more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters for survivors. This initiative addresses a critical barrier that many survivors face, which can delay their escape from abusive situations, emphasizing the connection between our pets and emotional well-being.
Understanding Giving Tuesday
The concept of Giving Tuesday, occurring after Thanksgiving, often elicits mixed feelings, particularly among those skeptical about its origins. Research indicates that giving money not only benefits the recipient but also generates happiness for the giver, a fact frequently underestimated. The podcast explores why individuals hesitate to engage in charitable giving, despite its positive psychological impacts. Insights from experts encourage embracing the day as an opportunity to contribute to effective charities while recognizing the emotional returns on giving.
The Psychological Barriers to Donation
Psychologists and researchers reveal that many individuals overthink their charitable donations, focusing more on their own judgments rather than the recipient's feelings. This mental bias leads to missed opportunities for contributing positively to others and ultimately gaining happiness oneself. The discussion emphasizes how doing something kind typically brings more satisfaction than anticipated. By altering the focus from self-doubt to the joy of giving, donors can increase their likelihood of contributing effectively to society.
Identifying Effective Charities
The podcast features a conversation with Eli Hassenfeld, co-founder of GiveWell, which researches and evaluates charities to determine their effectiveness in creating measurable impact. Many charities struggle to provide clear evidence of their outcomes, leading to uncertainty among potential donors about where their money can do the most good. GiveWell identifies top charities that demonstrate significant positive effects, guiding donors towards impactful contributions. This emphasis on transparent and measurable outcomes empowers individuals to make informed decisions when donating.
Adapting a Poker Mindset for Giving
Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova share insights on approaching charitable giving through the lens of decision-making strategies used in poker. They discuss how expected value calculations can apply to philanthropy, helping donors assess where their contributions can yield the greatest benefit. Both emphasize the importance of aligning donations with personal values and experiences, rather than merely following popular or widely recognized causes. This approach encourages a more thoughtful and personal connection to charitable actions, promoting effective altruism.
It's the season of giving: colorful paper and shiny bows, sure, and charitable giving, too. In this special episode, Jacob Goldstein, the host of What's Your Problem, gets smart about donating.
Did you know that spending money on others makes you happier than spending money on yourself? Or that altruistic nerds have discovered four of the most impactful charities in the world (per dollar spent)? Have you ever wondered how poker players think about giving?
Dr. Laurie Santos from The Happiness Lab, Elie Hassenfeld of GiveWell, and Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova from Risky Business talk about how to maximize your giving – and why you’ll be happy you did.