#effectiveness When it comes to helping others, being unreflective often means being ineffective. Relying on good intentions and emotions alone without evidence, rationality and research to inform your decision to help others is potentially disastrous. We very often fail to think as carefully about helping others as we could, mistakenly believing that applying data and rationality to a charitable endeavor robs the act of virtue. > [!Questions to ask] > What do they *truly* need? (must ask them, don't assume) > Do they *really* need your help? > Does your help *truly* improve their lives? > Are there any potential negative consequences from your help and compassion?