In this episode, meet Will MacAskill, the eminent Scottish philosopher and bestselling author whose pioneering research on moral uncertainty and the ethics of future generations has played a pivotal role in shaping the effective altruism movement.

“I fundamentally want to make the world a better place. I'm asking the question:, how can we do as much as possible to make the world better? That's what effective altruism is about. There are just so many problems in the world — poverty, factory farming, the chance of the next pandemic — how do we prioritize among them if we want to do as much good as we can?” - Will MacAskill, Co-Founder of the effective altruism movement

Effective altruism is a twofold endeavor emerging as a philosophy and a community. As a research field, effective altruism identifies the most pressing global issues. As a community, it mobilizes this knowledge to maximize positive impact.

Mr. MacAskill and the values and efforts of the effective altruism movement have profoundly inspired Ryan and Thomas from Service Academy to answer, “How do we maximize our impact given the resources we have?” They are motivated to help others better understand what resources they have to offer the world, and for young people, it’s not money, it’s often skills and resources. It’s how to apply their strengths through impactful experiences to do the most good and improve their lives in the process.

“Effective altruism is the philosophical equivalent of Service Academy professionalizing effective resource allocation. In the case of effective altruism, for people that have a lot of extra money, Service Academy is looking to professionalize a resource allocation of the young person's time and service efforts and their resources so they can be most effective, not just in terms of changing the world, but in terms of developing their own skills, towards their own aspirations.” - Thomas Growney, Co-Founder of Service Academy

For Thomas and Ryan growing up in a world where resource allocation decisions hold immense power, effective altruism emerges as a source of optimism and practicality. MacAskill's ideas and their application resonate with Thomas & Ryan, reminding them that while luxury can bring fleeting pleasure, the personal growth impact and the benefit to humanity, now and in the future, of changing lives is immeasurable. Ultimately, Thomas and Ryan share the view that every life touched matters, and every act of altruism shapes us as better individuals and a better world for all.

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