The Life You Can Save: Acting Now to End World Poverty

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Peter Singer, the philospher and author of 'Animal Liberation,' widely considered to be one of the foundational works of the animal rights movement, here turns his attention to the question of global poverty, and how it might be alleviated. His seven-point plan endorses a mix of personal philanthropy, local activism, and political awareness. Singer argues that there are no excuses for citizens not to give, and makes the possibilities of aid vivid by showing how assistance has already saved the lives of countlss people. 224p.

From the Publisher

Argues that for the first time in history we're in a position to end extreme poverty throughout the world, both because of our unprecedented wealth and advances in technology, therefore we can no longer consider ourselves good people unless we give more to the poor.

Review

Bill Williams - Boston Globe
"Peter Singer is on a crusade to convince Americans that they can play a vital role in ending world poverty, without undue sacrifice....Like a veteran debater, [he] weighs the reasons why people do not give more, cites examples of noble generosity, and offers a voluntary plan that could raise $510 billion to combat poverty."

Review

Dwight Garner - New York Times
"Mr. Singer is far from the world's only serious thinker about poverty, but with THE LIFE YOU CAN SAVE, he becomes, instantly, its most readable and lapel-grabbing one. This book is part rational argument, part stinging manifesto, part handbook."

Review

William Easterly - Wall Street Journal
"Singer is a compelling moral voice seeking far more compassion for those who have the least....[You] want to give more after reading [THE LIFE YOU CAN SAVE]."

More about the book

Peter Singer takes on the ethical responsibility individuals have in reducing world poverty in THE LIFE YOU CAN SAVE. Philosopher Singer has been credited with sparking the animal liberation movement and is known for his controversial stands on abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. This book is not an abstract treatise on ethics nor is it an antipoverty policy proposal based on economics or on theories of development; rather it outlines a seven-point plan that incorporates how to decide the amount and direction of one's charitable giving, activism, and political awareness that continues Singer's commitment to bring considered ethics into contemporary life.