Re:The Greatest Good: What is the best charitable cause in t...
by notahacker on Saturday June 20, 2015 @05:57AM
(#9749507)
You bet you could turn a tobacco company into something that's a net positive for society in 8-10 years? I'd like to see you try.
No, really, I actually would. I'm pretty sure it would do more good for humanity than working in computer science and donating your spare income to a cause you believe is an efficient use of your disposable income, even if you're particularly well paid or hit the startup jackpot...
Re:The Greatest Good: What is the best charitable cause in t...
by homunculus on Saturday June 20, 2015 @12:35PM
(#9750362)
I think what he was saying was if he woke up the CEO of a tobacco company and everyone he knew, all of his connections, everyone who worked at his company and, most importantly, the shareholders were on board with his plan... He could then pivot the company into something beneficial.
Interesting thought exercise: suppose you woke up tomorrow with the position (and requisite skills and connections) of running a company most people would consider irredeemable, such as a tobacco company. Could you, within a reasonable number of years, turn them into a well-respected company that's a net positive influence on society (and not just by dismantling them and donating the results)? I'd bet I could, within 8-10 years. (A bit less for a company for which the plan doesn't involve a few components of scientific research and advancement.)