To continue getting breaking news and the full stories from The Boston Globe, subscribe today.

The Boston Globe

Ideas

Boston.com

ideas

Why we give to charity

New research is uncovering a puzzle: Analytical thinking may be the enemy of generosity

By Leon Neyfakh

 |   

  December 04, 2011

It’s not rational, so why do Americans—more than two-thirds every year—give to charity, and how do we decide which causes to favor? According to researchers, despite the public push toward smarter giving, potential philanthropists are easily dissuaded by any sorts of facts and give most when we turn off our rational brains. Leon Neyfakh reports on a perplexing contradiction for those trying to donate well.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help