Thank you for sharing these reflections, Julia! I absolutely agree with the points you raise—this is a topic that comes up regularly in discussions about effective giving for me as well. As you point out, neither extreme approach is feasible in real life, and finding a balance is key.
One aspect I sometimes overlook is the role of rich countries as cultural role models. If we entirely neglect or avoid funding areas like the arts, we risk depriving the richer world of the additional meaning and inspiration these areas provide. At the same time, I agree that focusing on interventions where the majority will benefit is a stronger guiding principle. Striving for a world where everyone can have both bread and roses feels like an ideal worth working towards!
Thank you for sharing these reflections, Julia! I absolutely agree with the points you raise—this is a topic that comes up regularly in discussions about effective giving for me as well. As you point out, neither extreme approach is feasible in real life, and finding a balance is key.
One aspect I sometimes overlook is the role of rich countries as cultural role models. If we entirely neglect or avoid funding areas like the arts, we risk depriving the richer world of the additional meaning and inspiration these areas provide. At the same time, I agree that focusing on interventions where the majority will benefit is a stronger guiding principle. Striving for a world where everyone can have both bread and roses feels like an ideal worth working towards!