Ability Quote by Peter Singer
“If you have the abilities to earn a lot of money and if you have the character to persist in giving that to the most effective charities you can find, then that may be the best thing that you can do. And - also, if you do become a Wall Street banker, I think you need to be aware of what you're doing in terms of your daily work, not just earning money to give a lot away. But you need to think about - am I harming people through the work that I'm doing?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Life You Can Save, Peter Singer, 2009
If you can earn wealth and have the character to give effectively, it may be your best action, but you must also consider the ethical impact of your profession.
In simple terms: Earn money, give wisely, and evaluate your work's harm.
Key Takeaway
Align earnings with ethical impact.
Themes
ethics
wealth
philanthropy
career
social responsibility
Mood
reflective
ethical
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- career choices
- charitable giving
- professional decision making
Key Concepts
Effective altruism
moral philosophy
occupational ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure your job aligns with your values?
- What criteria define effective giving?
A Different Perspective
High earnings can still cause harm if work is unethical.
![“Nineteen thousand children [are] dying every day. Does it really matter that we're not walking past them in the street? Does it really matter that they're far away? I don't think it does make a morally relevant difference.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc1/peter-singer-1001_children_nineteen-thousand-children-are-dying-eve_33961.jpg)
