causal

Public Commitment as a Motivation Hack

Public commitment to giving is a powerful psychological device because once altruism becomes wrapped up in one's identity and social relationships, reneging carries a reputational cost, making the commitment durable—MacAskill notes he would not abandon his giving even if offered a million pounds because it has become part of who he is.

causalpending

Speaker

Will MacAskill

Evidence Quote

public commitments are a really big thing now i think there's no way i'm backing out of my altruism now too much of my identity is uh wrapped up in that

Source

228 - Doing GoodMaking Sense with Sam Harris
Created: 6/14/2026, 2:36:45 AM

My Notes

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