Strangers Drowning

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What does it mean to devote oneself entirely to helping others? In this exploration, Larissa MacFarquhar delves into the lives of individuals committed to extreme ethical standards, sharing their intimate stories filled with integrity, bravery, and moral dilemmas. One couple adopts two troubled children, then expands their family to twenty, grappling with the balance between the needs of their adopted children and others in distress. Another couple establishes a leprosy colony in India, risking their children's health while living in primitive conditions. A woman struggles with the guilt of spending money on herself instead of donating it to save lives, questioning when compromise becomes self-indulgence. While we admire such altruism, there is often skepticism towards those labeled as do-gooders. MacFarquhar weaves in a rich history of literature, philosophy, and social science that has fostered a mistrust of moral individuals in Western culture. Through vivid storytelling, she prompts us to confront essential questions about humanity: In a world filled with need, how much should we help, and at what cost? Is it right to prioritize strangers over loved ones? This thought-provoking narrative challenges us to reflect on our values and the motivations behind our actions.