The Life You Can Save

by Peter Singer
The Life You Can Save cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Politics and Current Affairs
Technical
  • ID: 2055
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780330504706
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2010-02-05
  • Reviews: 3

The Life You Can Save presents a compelling argument for urgent and direct action against extreme poverty. Author Peter Singer, a renowned ethicist, argues that individuals have a moral obligation to help those in need, comparing inaction to walking past a drowning child. The book offers practical advice on how to make a significant difference through regular, small donations, aiming to shift cultural attitudes towards giving. /n/n Singer's work is not just about charity but about creating a sustainable and effective approach to global poverty. He addresses common misconceptions and debates surrounding aid, providing a clear and actionable plan for readers to contribute to eradicating poverty. The book is a call to action that invites everyone to play a part in saving lives and transforming the world.

Reviews
Bright Futures · 2019-09-10
inspiring 4.00

The book is an easy yet challenging read that emphasizes the impact of individual actions on global poverty. It's a call to action that's both practical and inspiring.

The reviewer from Bright Futures finds The Life You Can Save to be an easy read, but don't let that fool you—it's a book that packs a punch. They highlight how Singer makes it clear that each of us has the power to make a difference, and the responsibility to do so. The book's main message is that our money can save lives, and it's up to us to take that seriously. The reviewer appreciates the practical advice and the inspiring tone, making it a book that's both informative and motivating.

Quick quotes

    Although this book is an easy read, it challenges us individually.

    The main gist of the whole book is that since our money can save lives in...

    It's a call to action that's both practical and inspiring.

The Guardian · Paul Collier · 2009-03-14
powerful 4.00

The book is a powerful challenge to individual complacency, urging readers to reconsider their spending and prioritize helping others. It's a thought-provoking read that hits close to home.

Paul Collier's review in The Guardian emphasizes how The Life You Can Save is a book that hits us where it hurts—our wallets. He finds it powerful because it doesn't just present facts; it challenges our personal choices and forces us to think about how we can do more with what we have. Collier appreciates Singer's ability to make the case for altruism in a way that's both logical and emotionally compelling. The book, according to Collier, is a wake-up call for anyone who wants to make a difference but isn't sure where to start.

Quick quotes

    The book challenges us individually where it most hurts: in the pocket.

    Peter Singer makes a strong case-logical and factual, but also emotional-for why each of us should be doing more for the world's poor.

    It's a thought-provoking read that hits close to home.

GiveWell Blog · GiveWell · 2009-03-06
challenging 4.00

The book is a challenging read that forces readers to confront the reality of global poverty and their role in addressing it. It combines logical arguments with emotional appeals to inspire action.

GiveWell's review highlights how The Life You Can Save is a book that doesn't let you off the hook easily. They found it challenging, not just because of the heavy topics it covers, but because it makes you question your own actions and inactions. The reviewer, having visited poor communities, brings a personal perspective that adds weight to Singer's arguments. They appreciate how the book balances facts and emotions, making a strong case for why each of us should do more to help those in need. It's a call to action that's hard to ignore.

Quick quotes

    Singer's book is a challenging read – no matter which way you look at it.

    In my experience, visiting very poor communities, then coming back to...

    The book challenges us individually where it most hurts: in the pocket.

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