Doing Good Better: Critical Reception and Impact
When William MacAskill released Doing Good Better, he introduced a framework designed to transform the act of giving from a purely emotional response into a strategic effort to maximize global well-being. The book advocates for effective altruism—a philosophy and social movement that uses evidence and reasoning to determine the most effective ways to benefit others.
The reception of the work has been largely positive, drawing praise from economists, philanthropists, and researchers who appreciate the book's rigorous approach to charitable contributions.
Key Facts
- Core Objective: To provide a structure for assessing charities to ensure donations create the maximum possible positive impact.
- Prominent Endorsements: Praised by figures such as Steven Levitt (author of Freakonomics) and Sue Desmond-Hellmann (CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation).
- Key Tools Mentioned: The book references evaluators like GiveWell and direct-giving models like GiveDirectly.
- Critical Feedback: Some critics argued against the dismissal of local philanthropy and questioned the currency of specific organizational research.
Critical Reviews and Academic Praise
Many reviewers highlighted the book's ability to balance analytical rigor with a genuine desire to help. Alex Tabarrok, an economics professor at George Mason University, described the work as a "hard-headed, soft-hearted proponent of saving the world." Tabarrok emphasized that effective altruism does not require extreme personality traits but rather a cultural shift where donors take pride in the effectiveness of their giving rather than just the amount donated.
Kirkus Reviews noted the book's practical utility, stating that it provides readers with a structure to assess thousands of charities, allowing for informed decisions on where to allocate funds.
The book also received high praise from the scientific and academic communities. Steven Levitt called it "beautifully written and extremely smart," suggesting it should be required reading for anyone interested in global improvement. Other notable supporters include linguist Steven Pinker, astronomer Martin Rees, and nanotechnology pioneer Eric Drexler.
Diverse Perspectives and Critiques
While the majority of feedback was positive, some experts offered nuanced disagreements. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, challenged the book's dismissal of local philanthropy. Hoffman argued that supporting local causes has instrumental value by fostering community leadership and setting a positive example for others within a specific region.
Additionally, the book faced criticism regarding its factual accuracy. Kate Grant, CEO of the Fistula Foundation, argued that MacAskill's description of her organization's work was outdated and misleading, suggesting that this could point to broader issues with the book's research quality.
Media Influence and Legacy
Beyond formal reviews, Doing Good Better has influenced mainstream discourse on charity. The New York Times published an article based on MacAskill's arguments, and The Atlantic featured a detailed discussion of the effective altruism movement and MacAskill's contributions.
Paul Brest, former President of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, described the book as an "excellent" component of a larger strategy to shift global perspectives toward more effective altruistic practices.
| Reviewer/Entity | Perspective | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Steven Levitt | Highly Positive | Essential reading for those wanting to improve the world. |
| Alex Tabarrok | Positive | Calls for a cultural shift toward valuing giving effectiveness. |
| Reid Hoffman | Mixed/Positive | Defended the importance of local philanthropic leadership. |
| Kate Grant | Critical | Questioned research quality due to outdated info on Fistula Foundation. |
| Sue Desmond-Hellmann | Positive | Emphasized that caring and "doing good better" makes a difference. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of Doing Good Better?
The main goal is to teach readers how to use a structured, evidence-based approach to evaluate charities, ensuring that their donations achieve the highest possible impact.
Who are some of the notable figures who endorsed the book?
Endorsements came from a wide range of experts, including Steven Levitt, Peter Singer, Steven Pinker, and the CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sue Desmond-Hellmann.
What was the primary criticism regarding local giving?
Reid Hoffman argued that the book undervalued local philanthropy, noting that local giving helps build community leadership and inspires others nearby to give.
Did any organizations dispute the book's findings?
Yes, Kate Grant of the Fistula Foundation stated that the book's description of her organization was outdated and misleading.
How has the book influenced mainstream media?
The book served as a basis for articles in The New York Times and The Atlantic, helping to bring the principles of effective altruism to a wider audience.