The “Multiply your Impact” section seems like it was just slipped in. Optimal for what? “Human beings” is not specific. Is my charity budget better spent supporting institutions whose work I approve of, extending lifespans in Africa, or giving me a reputation as a generous spender among my friends? If the main reason to give is because it will make me happier, then isn’t optimal philanthropy what makes me happiest, not what does the most good?
The “Multiply your Impact” section seems like it was just slipped in. Optimal for what? “Human beings” is not specific. Is my charity budget better spent supporting institutions whose work I approve of, extending lifespans in Africa, or giving me a reputation as a generous spender among my friends? If the main reason to give is because it will make me happier, then isn’t optimal philanthropy what makes me happiest, not what does the most good?
The trick is to find charities that align both of these goals. :)
The least convenient possible world is one that involves tradeoffs between desires.
Only if your desires require compromises to match up. In which case—yes.
Otherwise—if you do manage to find a match—it’s a double-win! So IMO worth at least looking on the off-chance.