miniboes wrote: ↑Sun Jan 08, 2017 3:37 am
brimstoneSalad wrote:Why do people want to live in the good, liberal countries?
I'd like to live in the middle-east, a second world Islamic country.
I have to ask, where would I be most likely to do the most good?
Of course, I would also be most likely to be executed there...
I know this is an old topic, but I don't think you're right on this one. Sure, you may be able to do more good through direct advocacy there, but in a rich country you can do much more by earning to give (paying dozens of people to do the direct aid that you would otherwise do) and advocating for important causes such as climate change and animal welfare (richer countries tend to emit more GHG and consume more animals).
I agree with Miniboes' conclusion but disagree with his premise as westerners often have excellent opportunities of making bank in the middle east. I have lived in the middle east and unless you are an imam no one will change his behaviors based on what you have to say.
As for the best place to live it has to be split into two parts:
1. Where is the best place for you to live while you work?
2. Where is the best place to retire?
Obviously both of the above depend on preferable weather, low crime, good Internet connection, good chance of sexual satisfaction etc. etc. However, number one depends highly on how much money (and how favorable the work conditions are) in your particular trade.
Number 2 depends highly on cost of living. I have no idea why so many elderly retire in countries like Norway, Great Britain, and Japan where their money isn't worth shit when they can live like royalty in places like Honduras, Thailand, and Namibia. Actually I do know why (family and habit) but I think these factors are way over rated.
I don't think opportunity to make a difference is a relevant factor in either case. One either has a big chance of making a small difference or a small chance of making a big difference (unless one is in the middle east and one as a zero chance of making any difference).
There are obviously places where one has a big chance of making a big difference but this is mainly economical so there is no advantage of actually living there.