11 ms·
I think that this is a myth, perpetuated by people who wish to rationalize their position (which also happens to be wealth-maximizing for themselves). Empirica
by tg3 11y ago
I think that this is a myth, perpetuated by people who wish to rationalize their position (which also happens to be wealth-maximizing for themselves).
Empirically, giving people money helps them. This experiment with the homeless in London is a good place to start: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/free-money-might-be-the-best-way-to-end-poverty/2013/12/29/679c8344-5ec8-11e3-95c2-13623eb2b0e1_story.html http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/free-money-might-be-t...
- jenius 11y agoI have spent a long time thinking about and looking for ways that people use to rationalize their own spending and not giving to those who are in need, and this is one of the most common reasons cited. While all my research and experience has led me to the same conclusion, that it's a bullshit psychological defense, when it comes down to it I lack enough hard scientific evidence that this is the case to really solidly prove it. The article you posted is great, thank you for sharing. It's clean, well-written, and backed by an experiment, which is fantastic. Do you have any more material like this? On the other hand, does anyone who disagrees have any material to the contrary?