Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova Grand Theft Automated: How to Save a Trillion Lives from Cautionary Tales
Aug 12, 2025
Dive into the world of radical philanthropy where altruism meets moral philosophy. Discover the duality of Sam Bankman-Fried—a potential humanitarian or a con artist. Journey from Wall Street to crypto, reflecting on ambition and security. Explore leadership struggles in startups and the ethics of investing for future generations. Engage with the controversial intersection of politics and funding in Oregon, and grapple with the instincts that shape our altruistic behaviors. This thrilling discussion reveals the complexities behind giving and the motives that drive it.
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Moral Duty Extends Across Distance
- Peter Singer's pond thought experiment equates saving a drowning child with donating to a distant starving child.
- Tim Harford explains moral obligation does not weaken with distance.
Choose High-Earning Careers To Give More
- Choose a high-earning career so you can donate significantly to effective causes.
- Will MacAskill argues earning to give funds more impact than lower-earning direct work.
Sam's Conversion To Effective Altruism
- Sam Bankman-Fried read Peter Singer and adopted impartial altruism, even becoming vegan.
- He met Will MacAskill and embraced the 'earn to give' approach to life.
