Essential Reads on Effective Giving
Discover the books that illuminate how evidence-based giving can change lives—and our world
Introduction
Effective altruism is about using evidence and reason to determine how we can benefit others as much as possible. Whether you’re new to this approach or already committed to maximizing your impact, these books offer valuable insights into how to give, work, and think more effectively. Below are four key reads that will deepen your understanding and inspire you to make an even greater difference.
1. Doing Good Better by William MacAskill
A practical guide to maximising the impact of your time and money.
Philosopher William MacAskill challenges traditional assumptions about charity, showing how data and reason can amplify generosity. Through relatable stories and clear arguments, he illustrates why focusing on cost-effectiveness and evidence can transform our giving into tangible positive change. Book link
2. The Precipice by Toby Ord
An exploration of humanity’s greatest existential threats—and how we can address them.
Toby Ord, a research fellow at Oxford’s Future of Humanity Institute, examines risks like pandemics, nuclear war, and emerging technologies. By highlighting how close we might be to catastrophic tipping points, he underscores the urgent need for action and responsible stewardship—key considerations for effective altruists looking to safeguard our collective future. Book link.
3. The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer
A compelling call to action for addressing global poverty.
In this influential work, philosopher Peter Singer demonstrates that small acts of generosity can have life-changing effects when directed toward the right organizations. He offers a moral argument for why we should help the global poor and provides practical steps to make a meaningful impact through evidence-based charities. Book link.
4. Infectious Generosity by Dr. Rob Mather
A firsthand look at how charitable giving can save lives on a large scale.
Written by the founder of the Against Malaria Foundation (AMF), this book takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most effective charities. Dr. Rob Mather shares the story of how a simple concept—providing mosquito nets—became an international movement, spotlighting the power of focused, data-driven philanthropy. Book link
5. It’s Not the End of the World by Dr. Hannah Ritchie
An optimistic, evidence-based perspective on global progress and the path forward.
Dr. Hannah Ritchie challenges the narrative that the world is doomed, drawing on data to illustrate how we’ve made significant strides in health, poverty reduction, and environmental stewardship. This book invites readers to see that while problems remain, effective actions—grounded in solid evidence—can drive continued improvement for humanity and the planet. Book link.
Conclusion
These four books illustrate the core principles of effective altruism—combining compassion with rigorous analysis to address the world’s greatest problems. By reading them, you’ll learn how to direct your resources and efforts where they can do the most good. Whether you’re exploring small yet potent acts of kindness or considering career choices with global impact, these authors provide the tools and motivation to make every action count.