Episode

#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
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2:24:47
Published: Sun Nov 22 2015
Description

Will MacAskill (@willmacaskill) is an Associate Professor in Philosophy at Lincoln College, Oxford. Just 28 years old, he is likely the youngest associate (i.e. tenured) professor of philosophy in the world. Will is the author of Doing Good Better and a co-founder of the "effective altruism" movement. He has pledged to donate everything he earns over ~$36,000 per year to whatever charities he believes will be most effective. He has also cofounded two well-known non-profits: 80,000 Hours, which provides research and advice on how you can best make a difference through your career, and Giving What We Can, which encourages people to commit to give at least 10% of their income to the most effective charities. Between them, they have raised more than $450 million in lifetime pledged donations, and are in the top 1% of non-profits in terms of growth. He is one of the few non-profit founders who have gone through Y Combinator; for-profit companies get $120,000 for 7% of equity; as a non-profit, 80,000 Hours got $100,000 for 0% of equity. In this episode, we discuss his story and a ton of actionable tips, including: Why "following your passion" in a career is often a mistake. Thought experiments: Pascal's Wager versus Pascal's Mugging Why working for a non-profit straight out of college is also a mistake. How it's possible to "hack" doing good in the same way you would a business. Implications of artificial intelligence. The best ways to really evaluate if you (or charities) are going good in the world. The reasons donating to disaster relief typically isn't the best use of your money. Why ethical consumerism typically isn't a great way to do good. Running a non-profit in the Harvard/Navy SEALs of startup incubators: Y Combinator This podcast is brought to you by Wealthfront. Wealthfront is a massively disruptive (in a good way) set-it-and-forget-it investing service, led by technologists from places like Apple and world-famous investors. It has exploded in popularity in the last 2 years and now has more than $2.5B under management. In fact, some of my good investor friends in Silicon Valley have millions of their own money in Wealthfront. Why? Because you can get services previously limited to the ultra-wealthy and only pay pennies on the dollar for them, and it’s all through smarter software instead of retail locations and bloated sales teams. Check out wealthfront.com/tim, take their risk assessment quiz, which only takes 2-5 minutes, and they’ll show you—for free–exactly the portfolio they’d put you in. If you want to just take their advice and do it yourself, you can. Or, as I would, you can set it and forget it. Well worth a few minutes: wealthfront.com/tim. Mandatory disclaimer: Wealthfront Inc. is an SEC registered Investment Advisor. Investing in securities involves risks, and there is the possibility of losing money. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please visit Wealthfront dot com to read their full disclosure. This podcast is also brought to you by Mizzen + Main. These are the only "dress" shirts I now travel with -- fancy enough for important dinners but made from athletic, sweat-wicking material. No more ironing, no more steaming, no more hassle. Click here for the exact shirts I wear most often. Don't forget to use the code "TIM" at checkout. Show notes and links for this episode can be found at www.fourhourworkweek.com/podcast.***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Visit tim.blog/sponsor and fill out the form.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chapters
In this episode, Tim Ferriss shares his approach to optimize his everyday life while minimizing the load of decision-making.
00:00 - 01:14 (01:14)
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Optimization
Summary

In this episode, Tim Ferriss shares his approach to optimize his everyday life while minimizing the load of decision-making. He also introduces his popular email newsletter, Five Bullet Friday.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
William MacAskill co-founded the effective altruism movement, a community dedicated to using resources effectively to make the world a better place.
01:14 - 09:00 (07:45)
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Effective Altruism
Summary

William MacAskill co-founded the effective altruism movement, a community dedicated to using resources effectively to make the world a better place. He discusses the movement, career advice, and the importance of evaluating methods for doing good. Contains an advertisement for Athletic Greens.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
GiveWell is a research organization that evaluates the effectiveness of various charities and provides recommendations for donors.
09:01 - 14:41 (05:40)
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Philanthropy
Summary

GiveWell is a research organization that evaluates the effectiveness of various charities and provides recommendations for donors. They aim to guide donors to make informed decisions about where their money can have the biggest impact.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Unpacking the 80/20 rule and how it can be applied to academic success, this conversation explores how to focus on the few valuable activities that actually move the needle instead of spending time on "busy work" that yields little to no benefit.
14:42 - 18:35 (03:53)
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Academic Success
Summary

Unpacking the 80/20 rule and how it can be applied to academic success, this conversation explores how to focus on the few valuable activities that actually move the needle instead of spending time on "busy work" that yields little to no benefit.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The problem of uncertainty in ethical decision making can be approached similarly to the problem of voting.
18:35 - 24:33 (05:57)
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Ethical decision making
Summary

The problem of uncertainty in ethical decision making can be approached similarly to the problem of voting. By treating ethical beliefs as preferences and using established technical apparatus, one can arrive at a cohesive decision in light of uncertainty.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In a Q&A with Sam Harris, the question is posed as to why more people don't donate to charity, specifically to fight global poverty.
24:34 - 31:54 (07:20)
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Charity
Summary

In a Q&A with Sam Harris, the question is posed as to why more people don't donate to charity, specifically to fight global poverty. The fear of opening the floodgates and the belief that if one donates to save one child, they must donate to save as many as they can afford are discussed in relation to the "trolley scenario."

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
This podcast discusses the idea of Pascal's Wager and the importance of building a community like the autism community that helps reinforce positivity for doing good.
31:54 - 37:19 (05:24)
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Autism
Summary

This podcast discusses the idea of Pascal's Wager and the importance of building a community like the autism community that helps reinforce positivity for doing good. Also touched on is how psychological biases can result in not giving back as much as one should.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The recommend charities for efficient giving include charities that provide mosquito nets, seasonal flu vaccinations, and GiveDirectly which transfers cash directly to the poorest people living in countries like Kenya.
37:19 - 44:25 (07:06)
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Charitable Giving
Summary

The recommend charities for efficient giving include charities that provide mosquito nets, seasonal flu vaccinations, and GiveDirectly which transfers cash directly to the poorest people living in countries like Kenya.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The impact of additional resources is much greater for the world's poorest than for those in wealthier countries.
44:26 - 49:17 (04:51)
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Poverty
Summary

The impact of additional resources is much greater for the world's poorest than for those in wealthier countries. Funding programs that aim to improve conditions for animals, immigration and criminal justice policies, and address global catastrophes from new technologies and climate change can make a significant difference.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Donating money can make people feel happier about themselves and provide a warm glow.
49:18 - 56:03 (06:44)
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Donations
Summary

Donating money can make people feel happier about themselves and provide a warm glow. Having a good community of friends is more important to being better off than having a higher income.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Oliver Ashby discusses how charities can be more effective by standardizing donation amounts and using positive reinforcement rather than guilt-inducing advertising.
56:04 - 1:01:01 (04:57)
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Charity
Summary

Oliver Ashby discusses how charities can be more effective by standardizing donation amounts and using positive reinforcement rather than guilt-inducing advertising.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
This podcast episode discusses the importance of considering the long-term impact of your career and how working for a startup or founding one can lead to making a massive difference in the world.
1:01:02 - 1:06:12 (05:10)
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Career
Summary

This podcast episode discusses the importance of considering the long-term impact of your career and how working for a startup or founding one can lead to making a massive difference in the world.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Investor, Tim Ferriss, emphasizes the importance of startups focusing on their product in order to achieve success, citing successful ventures such as Duolingo as examples of this approach.
1:06:13 - 1:10:33 (04:20)
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Startups
Summary

Investor, Tim Ferriss, emphasizes the importance of startups focusing on their product in order to achieve success, citing successful ventures such as Duolingo as examples of this approach.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
This startup launched about six months ago and is already moving millions of dollars in remittances, potentially impacting the tens of billions of dollars flowing to poorer countries every year.
1:10:33 - 1:17:41 (07:07)
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Remittances
Summary

This startup launched about six months ago and is already moving millions of dollars in remittances, potentially impacting the tens of billions of dollars flowing to poorer countries every year. Hiring the best possible team and independent investigations are crucial for success as a startup.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The difficulty of attracting talent is one of the biggest challenges of non-profit organizations.
1:17:41 - 1:23:53 (06:12)
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Philanthropy
Summary

The difficulty of attracting talent is one of the biggest challenges of non-profit organizations. The development of dynastic wealth can be more effective in achieving positive impact in philanthropy than making donations along the way.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
People's preferences and passions change massively over time, so it's important to try different things and evaluate what is meaningful, provides variety and autonomy, and contributes to the wider world.
1:23:55 - 1:31:22 (07:27)
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Career Development
Summary

People's preferences and passions change massively over time, so it's important to try different things and evaluate what is meaningful, provides variety and autonomy, and contributes to the wider world. Investing in a degree from a good university is important for the long-term, as most working hours come after the age of 30.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast discusses the benefits of mindfulness meditation in controlling thoughts and emotions, while highlighting the flaws in humans' ability to predict what will make them happy, especially in terms of finding their 'dream job'.
1:31:23 - 1:38:15 (06:52)
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Mindfulness Meditation.
Summary

The podcast discusses the benefits of mindfulness meditation in controlling thoughts and emotions, while highlighting the flaws in humans' ability to predict what will make them happy, especially in terms of finding their 'dream job'.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The key to being persuasive is honesty, authority, and being a genuine and authoritative person.
1:38:15 - 1:42:39 (04:24)
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Persuasion
Summary

The key to being persuasive is honesty, authority, and being a genuine and authoritative person. Effective persuasion requires in-depth principles on reciprocity, escalating commitment and being a nice person.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares productivity tips, including getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, as well as his morning routine, which starts with eating a healthy breakfast and hitting the gym.
1:42:40 - 1:46:47 (04:06)
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Productivity
Summary

The speaker shares productivity tips, including getting enough sleep and exercising regularly, as well as his morning routine, which starts with eating a healthy breakfast and hitting the gym.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Hang twice a day to remedy back pain from sitting and work with an Olympic weightlifting coach to perform overhead squats to improve lower back stability.
1:46:47 - 1:56:48 (10:01)
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Back Pain
Summary

Hang twice a day to remedy back pain from sitting and work with an Olympic weightlifting coach to perform overhead squats to improve lower back stability. Also, try to avoid watching TV or anything that's unnatural light and instead opt for reading or seeing friends.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Group identity can influence an individual's belief system, regardless of the issue, leading to the adoption of a package of views rather than independent analysis; individuals should regularly examine their narratives to avoid being consumed by groupthink.
1:56:48 - 2:02:46 (05:57)
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Groupthink
Summary

Group identity can influence an individual's belief system, regardless of the issue, leading to the adoption of a package of views rather than independent analysis; individuals should regularly examine their narratives to avoid being consumed by groupthink.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast, the speaker discusses the potential development of artificial intelligence in the future and how it could be one of the most important technological developments of our time.
2:02:47 - 2:06:17 (03:29)
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Artificial Intelligence
Summary

In this podcast, the speaker discusses the potential development of artificial intelligence in the future and how it could be one of the most important technological developments of our time. They also consider the importance of implementing policies to control potential harm.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast discusses the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and the importance of taking proactive safety measures to avoid negative outcomes.
2:06:17 - 2:11:42 (05:24)
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Artificial Intelligence
Summary

The podcast discusses the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and the importance of taking proactive safety measures to avoid negative outcomes.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
There is a need for worldwide coordination to prevent risks that come with the development of technologies.
2:11:42 - 2:15:15 (03:32)
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Technology Development
Summary

There is a need for worldwide coordination to prevent risks that come with the development of technologies. The potential upside and downside for various technologies are unpredictable; thus, there must be a coordinated approach to ensure safety across the globe.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
William MacAskill, philosopher, author, and co-founder of the Effective Altruism movement, encourages people to optimize and maximize their impact through careful consideration and planning.
2:15:16 - 2:18:48 (03:32)
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Effective Altruism
Summary

William MacAskill, philosopher, author, and co-founder of the Effective Altruism movement, encourages people to optimize and maximize their impact through careful consideration and planning. By doing so, we can make a significant impact in our chosen fields and causes.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
The 80,000 Hours organization has created an interactive tool to help individuals apply their career guide framework to their own career decisions.
2:18:48 - 2:22:27 (03:38)
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Career Guide
Summary

The 80,000 Hours organization has created an interactive tool to help individuals apply their career guide framework to their own career decisions. The tool includes recommendations based on the user's input and encourages a structured approach to career decision-making.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show
Will MacAskill shares resources for effective altruism, including websites give well.org and 80 000 hours.org, and suggests joining the Founders Pledge community for making a bigger commitment.
2:22:28 - 2:24:38 (02:10)
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Effective Altruism
Summary

Will MacAskill shares resources for effective altruism, including websites give well.org and 80 000 hours.org, and suggests joining the Founders Pledge community for making a bigger commitment. Tim Ferriss summarizes the discussion and advises checking out the show notes for links to resources discussed in the episode.

Episode
#120: Will MacAskill on Effective Altruism, Y Combinator, and Artificial Intelligence
Podcast
The Tim Ferriss Show