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Explore effective altruism through curated learning resources, courses, books, and educational content
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Getting Started
New to effective altruism? Start here to understand the core ideas and how to apply them.
Introduction to Effective Altruism
A comprehensive essay covering EA's key concepts and principles from effectivealtruism.org
What are the most important moral problems?
Will MacAskill's TED talk on moral priorities and how to think about doing good
The Why and How of Effective Altruism
Peter Singer's classic TED talk introducing the philosophy behind EA
EA Virtual Programs
Free online courses with structured discussions on EA concepts and cause areas
Courses & Learning Programs
Structured programs and courses to deepen your understanding and build skills in high-impact areas
Filter by:
FreeBeginner8 weeksFacilitated
The Introductory EA Program
8-week facilitated program for those new to EA, with structured discussions and curated readings on core concepts
FreeAdvanced8 weeksFacilitated
In-Depth EA Program
Advanced 8-week program diving deeper into EA concepts, cause prioritization, and taking action
FreeTeensSelf-pacedAges 13-19
Non-trivial: How to Change the World
Online course for teenagers (13-19) offering research-backed ideas on how to make a significant difference. Start impactful research before university!
Community & Online Platforms
Explore online platforms and communities to learn from discussions and research
EA Forum
Online platform for community discussions, research, and updates. Read articles and engage with the EA community.
LessWrong
Community blog focused on rationality, AI safety, and improving human reasoning. Read in-depth discussions and research.
Alignment Forum
Technical discussion forum focused on AI alignment research. Read cutting-edge research and engage with alignment researchers.
Astral Codex Ten
Scott Alexander's blog covering rationality, effective altruism, AI safety, and evidence-based thinking. Read long-form essays and analysis.
EA Global Conferences
Learn about flagship conferences bringing together the EA community. Watch talks and recordings from past events.
EA Groups Directory
Find local EA groups in your city. Many groups host reading groups and learning sessions.
Podcasts
Listen to conversations with leading thinkers in effective altruism, rationality, and high-impact work
80,000 Hours Podcast
In-depth conversations on how to have the most positive impact with your career
Hear This Idea
Podcast exploring ideas that matter for doing good effectively
Future Perfect
Vox podcast covering topics on how to make the world a better place
The AXRP Podcast
Technical AI alignment research podcast discussing cutting-edge safety work
Future of Life Institute Podcast
Discussions on existential risks and safeguarding humanity's future
Clearer Thinking
Podcast on improving decision-making and rational thinking
Dwarkesh Podcast
Deeply researched interviews with leading thinkers on AI, philosophy, and effective altruism
Rationally Speaking
Julia Galef explores important issues with nuance and rigor, featuring interviews with scientists, journalists, and thinkers
Blogs & Newsletters
Read articles, essays, and newsletters from leading voices in effective altruism and related fields
Cold Takes
Blog and audio by Holden Karnofsky on EA, AI, and the future
Impactful Giving Blog
Resources on effective giving and philanthropy in India
Global Development & Economic Advancement
Monthly newsletter covering relevant news at the intersection of global development and economic growth
Measured Life
Getting good enough answers to relevant life questions through analytical and systematic consideration
Coefficient Giving
Farm animal welfare newsletter with insights into how to best help the world's factory farmed animals
Transformer News
Covering the power and politics of transformative AI
Regression to the Meat
Reporting and commentary on research aimed at reducing meat consumption
RP Strategic Animal Insights
Rethink Priorities newsletter helping funders, organizations, and advocates make informed decisions for animals worldwide
RP Research Digest
Rethink Priorities research digest delivering critical research in a condensed, approachable format
Scaled Ambition
Lincoln Quirk's lessons for growing ambitiously altruistic organizations
The Vegan Strategist
By Tobias Leenaert on creating a more compassionate and sustainable food system, animal issues, and activism
The Replacing Guilt Series
Essays by Nate Soares on replacing guilt with resolve, working yourself ragged, and finding meaning in high-impact work
Essential Reading
Foundational books on effective altruism, existential risks, rationality, and making a difference.
Free copies available! Many of these books can be requested for free from effectivealtruism.org
Filter by topic or level:
Doing Good Better
By William MacAskill - The foundational guide to effective altruism and evidence-based giving
EA FundamentalsBeginnerFree
Request Free CopyThe Precipice
By Toby Ord - On existential risks and safeguarding humanity's long-term future
Existential RiskAI SafetyBeginner
Request Free CopyAnimal Liberation Now
By Peter Singer - Updated edition of the classic work on animal ethics and reducing suffering
Animal WelfareBeginnerFree
Request Free CopyThe Scout Mindset
By Julia Galef - On seeking truth, overcoming bias, and making better decisions
RationalityBeginnerFree
Request Free CopyThe Most Good You Can Do
By Peter Singer - How effective altruism is changing ideas about living ethically
EA FundamentalsBeginnerFree
Request Free CopyThe Life You Can Save
By Peter Singer - On our moral responsibility to reduce global poverty
Global HealthBeginnerFree
Free Download / AudiobookThe Alignment Problem
By Brian Christian - On machine learning and human values, and the challenge of AI alignment
AI SafetyAdvancedFree
Request Free Copy80,000 Hours
By Benjamin Todd - Find a fulfilling career that does good, based on years of research
CareerBeginnerFree
Request Free CopyWhat We Owe the Future
By William MacAskill - On longtermism and our responsibility to future generations
LongtermismBeginner
Learn MorePoor Economics
By Banerjee & Duflo - Nobel Prize-winning evidence-based insights on fighting global poverty
Global HealthAdvanced
Buy on AmazonHuman Compatible
By Stuart Russell - A leading AI researcher explains the challenge of ensuring AI systems remain beneficial to humanity
AI SafetyAdvanced
Buy on AmazonMoral Ambition
By Rutger Bregman - A guide to using your skills and resources to create meaningful impact
EA FundamentalsBeginner
Buy on AmazonNot the End of the World
By Hannah Ritchie - Data-driven optimism about solving climate change and environmental challenges
ClimateBeginner
Buy on AmazonClearing the Air
By Hannah Ritchie - Practical answers to common questions about climate change and solutions
ClimateBeginner
Buy on AmazonHow to Create a Vegan World
By Tobias Leenaert - A pragmatic approach to reducing animal suffering and building a more compassionate world
Animal WelfareBeginner
Buy on AmazonStrangers Drowning
By Larissa MacFarquhar - Profiles of people who dedicate their lives to helping others, exploring the psychology of extreme altruism
EA FundamentalsBeginner
Buy on AmazonHow to Launch a High-Impact Nonprofit
By Joey Savoie & Kalin Werner - A practical guide to starting and scaling effective nonprofit organizations
CareerAdvanced
Buy on AmazonHow to Launch a High-Impact Foundation
By Joey Savoie & Kalin Werner - A guide to starting and running effective philanthropic foundations
CareerAdvanced
Buy on AmazonInsight
By Tasha Eurich - Learn to see yourself clearly and understand how others perceive you, improving self-awareness and decision-making
RationalityBeginner
Buy on AmazonRationality: A-Z
By Eliezer Yudkowsky - A comprehensive series on human rationality and cognitive science, foundational to LessWrong and EA
RationalityFreeAdvanced
Read OnlineThinking, Fast and Slow
By Daniel Kahneman - Groundbreaking exploration of the two systems that drive human thought and decision-making
RationalityBeginner
Buy on AmazonSuperforecasting
By Philip Tetlock - The art and science of prediction, showing how to improve forecasting accuracy
RationalityAdvanced
Buy on AmazonNonviolent Communication
By Marshall Rosenberg - A communication framework for resolving conflicts and building connections
RationalityBeginner
Buy on AmazonHarry Potter and the Methods of Rationality
By Eliezer Yudkowsky - A rationalist retelling of Harry Potter that teaches scientific thinking and rationality
RationalityFreeBeginner
Read OnlineBonds That Make Us Free
By C. Terry Warner - On relationships, self-deception, and personal transformation
RationalityBeginner
Buy on AmazonThe Inner Game of Tennis
By W. Timothy Gallwey - Classic guide to mastering the mental game and achieving peak performance
RationalityBeginner
Buy on AmazonJudgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases
By Kahneman, Slovic & Tversky - Foundational research on cognitive biases and decision-making under uncertainty
RationalityAdvancedTechnical
Buy on AmazonFocusing
By Eugene T. Gendlin - A technique for accessing your body's wisdom and improving decision-making
RationalityBeginner
Buy on AmazonReady to Take Action?
Now that you've learned about effective altruism, discover ways to apply your knowledge and make an impact.