Lives Well Lived

CHARLIE BRESLER: the road to effective altruism

Dec 19, 2024

Charlie Bresler, co-founder of The Life You Can Save, shares his transformative journey into effective altruism. He discusses the importance of maximizing charitable contributions to fight extreme poverty. Bresler reflects on his early challenges and political activism, which drove him toward altruistic pursuits. He emphasizes the emotional fulfillment that comes from giving, while questioning the motivations behind altruism. The conversation also highlights impactful nonprofits and encourages thoughtful philanthropy in addressing global issues.

01:05:08

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Episode guests

Charlie Bresler

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Charlie Bresler discusses his late start in the nonprofit sector, ultimately co-founding The Life You Can Save to tackle extreme poverty.

The effective altruism movement, highlighted in the podcast, advocates for evidence-based philanthropy to maximize charitable impact and moral responsibility.

Bresler introduces 'effective hedonism,' emphasizing that the joy of giving enhances personal fulfillment while significantly aiding those in need.

Deep dives

The Founding of The Life You Can Save

The discussion centers around the inception of The Life You Can Save, a charitable organization co-founded by Peter Singer and Charlie Bressler. The initiative emerged from the ethical imperative that improving or saving lives should be a moral priority. Charlie reflects on his life journey leading to his pivotal role in the organization, emphasizing that the charity's mission aligns with a lifelong aspiration to do meaningful work. The organization aims to maximize the effectiveness of charitable giving through a focus on well-vetted organizations committed to alleviating extreme poverty.

Intro

4min

The Impact of Effective Altruism and Charitable Giving Trends

2min

From Personal Struggles to Altruistic Pursuits

18min

Shifting Priorities: From Personal Gain to Effective Altruism

18min

The Ethics of Altruism

14min

Finding Fulfillment Through Altruism and Giving

6min

Walking for Good: Community and Philanthropy Through Miles

3min

Charlie Bresler is in conversation with Peter & Kasia on his his late entrance into the nonprofit sector and subsequent journey to co-founding 'The Life You Can Save' with Peter Singer, which has raised over $100 million to alleviate extreme poverty.

Bresler emphasises the importance of giving effectively, feeling good about altruistic actions, and the impact of select nonprofits in moving substantial funds toward effective organisations.

If you are interested in donating this giving season, consider these nonprofits:

Development Media International (The Life You Can Save)

Unlimit Health (end parasitic disease)

Keep up to date with Peter!

Website: www.petersinger.info

Substack: https://boldreasoningwithpetersinger.substack.com/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@peter_singer

Keep up to date with Kasia!

https://www.facebook.com/katarzyna.delazariradek

Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett

Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi

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