Why Ethics and Joy Belong Together with Peter Singer

In this episode, Peter Singer explains why ethics and joy belong together. He offers a moral wake-up call as he shares his now-famous “drowning child” thought experiment: if we saw a child drowning right in front of us, we’d act without hesitation. So why do we so often fail to act when suffering is farther away?Peter challenges the idea that ethics is about rigid rules or self-denial. Instead, he argues that living ethically is a path to a more joyful and meaningful life. This conversation explores how generosity, purpose, and even activities done purely for pleasure—like surfing—can all be part of a good life.

Feeling overwhelmed, even by the good things in your life?

Check out Overwhelm is Optional — a 4-week email course that helps you feel calmer and more grounded without needing to do less. In under 10 minutes a day, you’ll learn simple mindset shifts (called “Still Points”) you can use right inside the life you already have. Sign up here for only $29!

Key Takeaways:

• [00:02:31] Ethical obligations in everyday life.
• [00:06:45] Helping those in extreme poverty.
• [00:10:46] Happiness and moral responsibility.
• [00:11:45] Moral progress in civilization.
• [00:16:12] Saving children from malaria.
• [00:21:02] Measuring happiness effectively.
• [00:25:02] Happiness and money connection.
• [00:27:43] Personal identity and change.
• [00:32:00] Spiritual path and personal satisfaction.
• [00:43:05] Enjoying non-competitive activities.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Peter Singer, check out these other episodes:

Purposeful Living: Strategies to Align Your Values and Actions with Victor Strecher

How to Create a Life Strategy for Meaningful Change with Seth Godin

For full show notes, click here!

Connect with the show:

• Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
• Follow us on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.