Effective Altruism? What is it? Also, what is altruism?

[Jeb Stuart Thurmond]

I'm trying to understand this new thing called "Effective Altruism". It seems to be the idea that instead of donating money to God, or donating to the prettiest fundraising girl, you should let science figure out what to do with the donations.

Or something. The website is so out-of-touch I didn't read beyond the first paragraph:

Most of us want to make a difference. We see suffering, injustice and death, and are moved to do something about them.

HAHAHA! Nooooo, guess again, friend.

Mr. Altruism asks: If you came across a child that was drowning, would you jump in and save it? Even if it meant wrecking your suit? What if that kid is on the other side of the world, and for the price of a suit you can save it?

If you're Joe Rogan, you won't even notice the kid, you'll be too busy taking drugs and talking druggie-talk. "Woah, the universe is really big! Woah! What if we live in a simulation? Woah!"

1 hour and 26 minutes in, the effective altruist finally says "this is not my area of expertise".

I laughed out loud. For an "effective altruist" he isn't very effective at staying on-message.

Next Joe is predicting that cloned mammoths are going to over-run the world. "Did you know that a Kangaroo is a kind of deer? Woah!"

Sorry bro, if I ever experience this "generosity" thing, I'll be donating to God.

[Titus Templeton]

Re: Effective Altruism? What is it? Also, what is altruism?

Rogan denies God is real but believes in Bigfoot.

[Ezekiel Bathfire]

Re: Effective Altruism? What is it? Also, what is altruism?

Mr. Altruism asks: If you came across a child that was drowning, would you jump in and save it?

Well, the answer must be "No. Not unless Jesus informed me that that is what He wanted." For all I know, the child could be Satan incarnate.

The answer surely must be "I would fall on my knees and pray fervently for guidance in this most remarkable of situations."

Such prayers can be quite protracted and, as such, exterior influences (screams, cries, sudden silence, etc.) should not cause a Christian to waver from his first duty to God.

The comparison with a Darkie child in Africa is a little artificial. Would we not want to know how the child managed to get in that position in the first place? It could be a punishment from God. Or as in the case of the miracle of the Blind man in Joh:9:3, the starving child might be an advertisement/publicity material for God's powers.

If Mr Altruism wants answers, then he is going to have to ask better questions and provide more guidance - something of which he seems incapable.