Your description of the children who die of malaria really hits home. It doesn't take too much effort of imagination to transcend the barriers of distance and culture and put yourself in the shoes of someone who knows one of those children personally and experiences the loss. To prevent one of those tragedies, or many, by simply donating a relatively small amount of money, e.g. to GiveWell, is an opportunity not to be taken lightly. Excellent post.
I took the pledge a few years back and would rank it beside having a child as the two most personally significant accomplishments in my life (as in, if I died today those are the things I’m most happy that I contributed to the world). If you’re on the fence just go for it
In the US if you want to reduce your tax burden, look into setting up a donor advised fund through your brokerage (very easy) and batch your donations into individual tax years, prioritizing stocks with substantial gains. The recent OBBA also allows for writing off some contributions without itemizing
Thank you very much for this! I pledged a while ago , but have signed up for the GWWC "Conversations that Count" Challenge https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/conversations-that-count-pledge-drive-2025. As an introvert, I am in way over my head! But your incredibly eloquent, clear and compassionate stating of the case will make it easier. Thanks again :-)
Kind of a tricky one to make a tasteful joke about, so I’m just going to restack it :)
EDIT: I'm clearly a boomer and didn't realize that commenting on restacks also commented on posts but fwiw I endorse everything in this post so I have nothing to add.
Thanks for writing this up; I am sure I will use it in the future as a primer for some people interested in the topic.
Took the pledge exactly 3 years ago, and I am immensely proud that I did it. I have the physical certificate framed and hanging over my desk, and being reminded of what I am doing adds purpose and satisfaction to my life, at very little cost to my quality of life. I cannot recommend it enough.
It does say 10781 on the full pledges, on scroll down, which if that's true and the other stats were also true, we're actually at 438 more signers, which is 388 over what's expected, and thus potentially ~78 more lives saved a year.
This, along with the ACX drive that I regularly read, has pushed me to create an account for the first time and take the plunge today. I write this so it inspired more people like how you have inspired people.
I took the 10% pledge today (member #10717). I've been loosely involved in the EA community for about three years, since when I was in university, but I've been procrastinating on taking the pledge after graduating. Your offer nudged me to sign it now!
Very compelling post -- I've heard of the pledge before but never took it until now. Thanks for sharing!!!
Verification I took the pledge: https://imgur.com/a/MD1UtKx
Awesome! Will give you a paid sub when I’m next at my computer!
Your description of the children who die of malaria really hits home. It doesn't take too much effort of imagination to transcend the barriers of distance and culture and put yourself in the shoes of someone who knows one of those children personally and experiences the loss. To prevent one of those tragedies, or many, by simply donating a relatively small amount of money, e.g. to GiveWell, is an opportunity not to be taken lightly. Excellent post.
I did pledge, it was a combination of this article and Scott Alexander's that did it. I'm MEMBER #10695, happy to send my certificate as proof.
Thanks and Happy Holidays :)
I took the pledge a few years back and would rank it beside having a child as the two most personally significant accomplishments in my life (as in, if I died today those are the things I’m most happy that I contributed to the world). If you’re on the fence just go for it
In the US if you want to reduce your tax burden, look into setting up a donor advised fund through your brokerage (very easy) and batch your donations into individual tax years, prioritizing stocks with substantial gains. The recent OBBA also allows for writing off some contributions without itemizing
I took the 10% pledge yesterday (from the trial pledge) at EAGx Amsterdam… can I still get a lifetime subscription /lh
Yep.
Thank you very much for this! I pledged a while ago , but have signed up for the GWWC "Conversations that Count" Challenge https://www.givingwhatwecan.org/conversations-that-count-pledge-drive-2025. As an introvert, I am in way over my head! But your incredibly eloquent, clear and compassionate stating of the case will make it easier. Thanks again :-)
Kind of a tricky one to make a tasteful joke about, so I’m just going to restack it :)
EDIT: I'm clearly a boomer and didn't realize that commenting on restacks also commented on posts but fwiw I endorse everything in this post so I have nothing to add.
Thanks for writing this up; I am sure I will use it in the future as a primer for some people interested in the topic.
Took the pledge exactly 3 years ago, and I am immensely proud that I did it. I have the physical certificate framed and hanging over my desk, and being reminded of what I am doing adds purpose and satisfaction to my life, at very little cost to my quality of life. I cannot recommend it enough.
I took the pledge late last year and haven't looked back!
Did it! #10834
It's safe to say this essay of yours changed the course of my life: https://benthams.substack.com/p/factory-farming-is-not-just-bad-its
You should repost this banger again imo.
Subscription has been gifted!
Thanks man!
I pledged in response to both this article and the ACX one. #10783
I have too.
Shoot me a dm verifying and I'll give you a paid sub.
Quick Stats (deduced from Archive.org):
10443 pledges on 12/27
10343 12/13
10244 11/13
10070 9/12
It does say 10781 on the full pledges, on scroll down, which if that's true and the other stats were also true, we're actually at 438 more signers, which is 388 over what's expected, and thus potentially ~78 more lives saved a year.
We're at >17550 total, including trial pledges
The double-whammy here and on ACX finally pushed me to pledge — thanking you both!
This, along with the ACX drive that I regularly read, has pushed me to create an account for the first time and take the plunge today. I write this so it inspired more people like how you have inspired people.
Thank you.
https://imgur.com/a/Mt1wRrN
Awesome! You're not currently a subscriber, but if you become one and want a paid subscription, let me know.
That's hype, I took the trial pledge (you and Scott Alexander really creating big incentives), although I'd been meaning to do it for a while
I took the 10% pledge today (member #10717). I've been loosely involved in the EA community for about three years, since when I was in university, but I've been procrastinating on taking the pledge after graduating. Your offer nudged me to sign it now!
Awesome! Send me a dm verifying and I'll give you an indefinite paid subscription.