Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

Get Happier, Help Others: Some Good Ideas About Giving

Dec 2, 2024
Jacob Goldstein, host of Pushkin's What's Your Problem?, and Laurie Santos, a Yale psychologist known for The Happiness Lab, dive into the science of giving and happiness. They reveal that spending money on others boosts personal happiness more than spending it on oneself. Listeners learn about impactful charities and how poker players view generosity. With practical tips, they explore how acts of kindness can transform both individuals and communities, highlighting the joy found in altruism.
51:51

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Spending money on others leads to greater happiness than spending on oneself, as evidenced by research highlighted in the podcast.
  • Evaluating charities quantitatively is crucial for maximizing impact, with platforms like GiveWell helping donors identify the most effective organizations.

Deep dives

The Psychological Benefits of Giving

Giving money to charity is linked to enhanced happiness and well-being for the donor, a claim supported by research discussed by experts in the episode. Studies indicate that individuals often underestimate the positive feelings associated with charitable giving, believing that spending money on themselves will yield greater happiness. However, evidence suggests that spending money on others typically results in a more profound sense of satisfaction. Thus, charitable donations not only benefit the recipients but also foster a sense of happiness and fulfillment in givers.

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