Redefining philanthropy with a new vision for humanity.
Press Coverage for The Price of Humanity
“[Schiller] has not written the book that you necessarily think she has written…it’s such a delightful surprise throughout, and it will really get you to think.”
“Schiller memorably chronicles why philanthropy is important, how it became flawed, and what can be done to transform it.”
“Why does the RED campaign and others like it feel so icky? Why does Effective Altruism piss you off? What’s missing from MacKenzie Scott’s strategy? Schiller tackles all that and more.”
“Informative, fascinating, iconoclastic, thoughtful and thought-provoking…an extraordinary and articulate study.”
— Midwest Book Review
Photo: Sylvie Rosakoff
The Price of Humanity: How Philanthropy Went Wrong and How to Fix It.
Philanthropy brought us the Statue of Liberty, via the first crowdfunding campaign. It funds gardens, hospitals, museums. Lately, though, philanthropy is tied to scandal after scandal. Can the good of philanthropy outweigh its connections to inequality and injustice? Traversing the ancient world of St. Augustine, through Andrew Carnegie’s Gilded Age library, to some of the most influential donors of today, The Price of Humanity proposes a new vision for philanthropy that lives up to its meaning “love of humanity.” With surprising comparisons, sharp humor, and interviews with celebrities like Melinda French Gates and Tressie McMillan Cottom, The Price of Humanity offers courageous critiques and concrete solutions.
“Absolutely essential reading for anyone working in or involved in philanthropy today.” —Anne Helen Petersen, author of Can’t Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation
“This is a magical book, made all the more by Amy Schiller’s distinctive voice: wise, delighted, hilarious, grounded, joyous, sharp, and shrewd.” —Corey Robin, author of The Reactionary Mind: Conservatism from Edward Burke to Donald Trump
“Clear-headed, impassioned and lively … [an] articulate, knowledgeable take, made entertaining with well-chosen examples and humor.” —Phillip Lopate, author of Getting Personal
A hopeful vision of philanthropy and society…Thoughtful, timely reading, both intelligent and humane.” —Kirkus Reviews