Generosity Quote by Steven D. Levitt
““The non-profit industry itself, “the most dysfunctional $300 billion industry in the world,” as he saw it. Mullaney had come to believe that too many philanthropists engage in what Peter Buffett, a son of the über-billionaire Warren Buffett, calls “conscience laundering”—doing charity to make themselves feel better rather than fighting to figure out the best ways to alleviate suffering.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Economist, 2015
The nonprofit sector is plagued by inefficiency and self‑serving motives, often prioritizing donor ego over genuine impact.
In simple terms: Charities can be more about feeling good than solving problems.
Key Takeaway
Focus on measurable outcomes, not just good intentions.
Themes
philanthropy
efficiency
ethics
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- grantmaking
- NGO management
- donor education
- policy reform
Key Concepts
impact measurement
moral hazard
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can donors verify real impact?
- What incentives drive “conscience laundering”?
A Different Perspective
Even well‑meaning donors may overlook systemic solutions.
![“[...]if you are hoping to damage opponents' mental health, go ahead and tell them how inferior or dim-witted or nasty they are. But even if you are certifiably right on every point, you should not think for a minute that you will ever be able to persuade them. Name-calling will make you an enemy…” quote by Steven D. Levitt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4e9/steven-d-levitt-5284_first-place_if-you-are-hoping-to-damage-opponents-me_193482.jpg)
