George Soros Transfers $18B to Open Society Foundations

These kinds of transfers point out two things to me:

- (obvious) the ridiculousness of wealth accumulation. This is over-discussed so I won't further that discussion.

- The critical need for better philanthropy. Philanthropy is by and large ineffective. I belive this is because it either isn't taken seriously (pet projects) or generally has no feedback loop or accountability. The best philanthropic organizations by impact are probably research universities, organizations not designed to be philanthropic. That sucks!

I think for all the shit YC gets, this area may ultimately be where they make they make real social progress. YC Research is interesting, but organizations like Watsi and New Story are REALLY game-changing to me. They showed me a model that really works, and I not only give to them regularly but also other organizations I could find with a similarly direct impact (Brooklyn Bail Fund is my favorite).

I think scaling real, accountable impact is a task my generation (I'm 29) is really, really up for. I think we can do it. There will be a lot of shitty, terrible attempts it but I don't think the attempts will stop and I expect it to yield results. I hope that's part of our legacy as a generation.

We need more people like him! I suggest everyone interested read his story and how he came from poor to riches and now giving back to our society... amazing humanbeing!

There is good and bad in this.

It's good that Soros sets an example giving to charity.

It's bad that his donations go to controversial recipients, including some that ends up in the hands of those who use violence to further their causes.

Soros has been tied to racial unrest in the US, attempts to cause intervention in places like Albania, etc. He is not a kind-hearted donor, he is a billionaire with a decided agenda.