Executive summary: John Wesley, an 18th century Christian preacher, advocated an “earning to give” approach with radical and EA-aligned views on money, including maximizing income ethically, avoiding unnecessary spending, and donating all surplus to effectively help others.
Key points:
Wesley believed money was a tool for good that should be gained ethically, saved by avoiding excess, and given generously.
He took an earning to give approach, saying to maximize income ethically through hard work while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Wesley advocated total impartiality in giving after basic needs are met, aiding strangers before indulging oneself and family.
He was very radical, arguing to give away all surplus, not just a percentage, to do the most good.
Wesley instructed assessing spending via questions of stewardship, obedience, sacrifice, and eternal reward.
He lived simply himself, limiting expenses to donate large proportions of his income.
Wesley diverged from EA in stronger limits on careers and giving priority to proximal needs first.
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Executive summary: John Wesley, an 18th century Christian preacher, advocated an “earning to give” approach with radical and EA-aligned views on money, including maximizing income ethically, avoiding unnecessary spending, and donating all surplus to effectively help others.
Key points:
Wesley believed money was a tool for good that should be gained ethically, saved by avoiding excess, and given generously.
He took an earning to give approach, saying to maximize income ethically through hard work while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Wesley advocated total impartiality in giving after basic needs are met, aiding strangers before indulging oneself and family.
He was very radical, arguing to give away all surplus, not just a percentage, to do the most good.
Wesley instructed assessing spending via questions of stewardship, obedience, sacrifice, and eternal reward.
He lived simply himself, limiting expenses to donate large proportions of his income.
Wesley diverged from EA in stronger limits on careers and giving priority to proximal needs first.
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.