What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More

by Nick Cooney

When we think about whether we are good people leading a good life, we usually think about actions. Bad people do bad things that hurt others. Good people do good things that help others, and they avoid doing bad things. Simple.

But while our actions certainly have consequences, today our inactions have far greater and far graver consequences. Bad actions can result in the suffering of a few or several dozen others; inaction can result in the extreme misery of thousands.

For nearly our entire history as a species, we lived in small groups with minimal resources, leaving our ability to help others limited. Thanks to massive global populations, huge wealth disparities, and modern technologies, the average person now has more power to improve the lives of others than nearly anyone who has ever lived. But the flip side of that great power is the dizzyingly high cost of inaction, in which lives can hang in the balance with each dollar and hour of time we spend.

This is a book about what we don't do. It's about our failures to act and the suffering others endure as a result. It's also about the incredible good that can be achieved when we cultivate an internal drive to do more.

Genres: Audiobook, Health

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2025

About the author

Nick Cooney is the founder and managing partner of venture capital firm Lever VC and the author of What We Don’t Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More (Regalo Press, 2025). His work has been covered in hundreds of media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters, TIME, the Los Angeles Times, NBC, Forbes, and similar.

Nick is also the founder and board chair of Lever Foundation, a non-profit focused on advancing a humane and sustainable food system, and previously founded and co-founded the non-profits The Humane League and the Good Food Institute. He is the author of several previous books on how to effectively carry out charity work, including How to Be Great at Doing Good and Change of Heart, and advises on philanthropic giving. He lives in the greater New York City region.


Nick’s personal website is: http://www.nickcooney.com

His work websites are:
https://www.LeverVC.com
https://www.LeverFoundation.org

You can also see more about Nick at the following social media pages and links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Co...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcooney1

https://www.facebook.com/nick.cooney1

https://www.instagram.com/nick.cooney2/

https://twitter.com/nickcooney2

https://www.amazon.com/Nick-Cooney/e/...

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

https://medium.com/@NickCooney

https://signal.nfx.com/investors/nick...

https://www.crunchbase.com/person/nic...

https://www.audible.com/author/Nick-C...

Reviews

[Nick Cooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope that you enjoy the book!

[Daniel Hageman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Close your eyes and imagine you live in a world where every minute of time you use, every dollar you spend, every bit of mental energy you allocate, could mean the difference between another person living--or dying. Between another individual suffering intensely--or having their suffering relieved. Now open your eyes. You are living in that world. What are you going to do?" -Chapter 4

"...this way of thinking and acting to reduce suffering in the world can seem mechanical, overly regimented, and unrealistically demanding. I would argue, though, that it's simply applying logic and rigor to the very common human sentiment of concern for others who are suffering. Its approach is squarely in line with Kierkegaard's admonition to 'consider our core beliefs, think them through to their logical conclusions, and act on those conclusions'. If taking an analytical approach to doing good for others seems odd, it is only because the altruism sector is often driven by emotion rather than logic, and treated like a hobby, rather than a serious endeavor." -Chapter 6

"If you choose to do something, attack it...I didn't let my desire for comfort rule me. I was determined to go to war with myself." - David Goggins

[Andy]

DNF. Lost me when he recommended Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Make a Difference.

[Cheryl]

I guess I want more about actually how to do more. I know I'll leave a big chunk of my estate (that which I'm trying to grow by not spending money) to a certain charity or two. Because I know that the coffee I bought at the gas station this morning was a special treat to me, but probably could have fed an entire refugee family. But I also admit that I am protective of my own well-being (for example the likely need for long-term nursing care). So, yes, I do feel more guilt for inaction than pride for action. And surely that isn't what Cooney intends. So anyway I tried to read the book's beginning and end but didn't read it all. So, I kinda feel guilty for that, too. :sigh:

I am curious whether all the GR members who rated it so highly are now more actively living in a manner that supports their beliefs.

October 2025

[C. X. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s be real: most self-help or social justice books hit you with a guilt trip wrapped in a to-do list. What We Don’t Do by Nick Cooney? Not that vibe. This book is like sitting down with a brutally honest friend who asks, “Why aren’t you doing the things you think you should?”—but in a way that feels curious, not judgy. Cooney dives into the weird psychology of inaction, unpacking why we freeze (or look away) when suffering screams for our attention. Spoiler: It’s not just laziness.

If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by the world’s problems or secretly wondered if retweeting activism counts as “enough,” this book is your permission slip to think deeper. Not a cure-all, but a fresh brew of perspective. Best paired with a cozy blanket and a mild existential crisis (the productive kind).

TL;DR: A compassionate kick in the pants for anyone who cares a lot but struggles to act. Cooney doesn’t have all the answers, but he’ll make you rethink the questions.

[Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wake-up call for anyone who's ever felt overwhelmed by the world's problems but unsure where to focus. It challenges the assumption that more action always equals more impact—and instead makes a compelling case for strategic inaction.

What struck me most was the idea that our well-intentioned efforts can sometimes do more harm than good by diverting resources away from higher-impact opportunities. The book doesn't just critique common approaches to activism; it offers a smarter framework for deciding where to direct your energy.

I came away with a completely new perspective on what it means to 'do good.' Now, instead of spreading myself thin across every worthy cause, I'm learning to focus on the areas where my contributions can actually move the needle.

A must-read for activists, volunteers, or anyone who cares about making their efforts count."

[Siyun Dou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Cooney's What We Don't Do is like a wake-up call in the best way—thoughtful and engaging. What sticks with me is how he reframes ‘doing good’—not as some grand, exhausting mission, but as a series of intentional choices (or non-choices) that add up. It’s equal parts humbling and empowering. If you’ve ever scrolled through bad news feeling paralyzed, this book is the what you’ve been waiting for.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should start by saying that I've met with Nick a few times and I think he is someone who is incredibly humble and generous with his time.

I thought this was an interesting read though I found myself struggling with some of the arguments being made. I am just not sure I agree with the premise. Yes, what we do not do is incredibly important, but is it more important than what we do do?

There were swaths of the book that edge into effective altruism, which I am not sure I agree with as a philosophy (and honestly, I view it as a lot of what's wrong with Silicon Valley today). The hardest thing about EA, to me (and something I touch on in my comments on Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI) is where does it stops? The idea of maximizing wealth generated so you can personally redistribute it edges into the idea of wealth=better arbiter moral judgment, which I think you can see by the state of politics today that is just not true.

It is hard for me, also, to wrap my head around the idea that doing something good should be equivalent as not doing something good, or conversely doing something bad = not doing something good? I think agency and actions certainly matter.

Overall, I agree with the premise, however, that we need to think outside of our own narrow fields of what's "good."

[Teo · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025.12.08–2025.12.09

Contents

Cooney N (2025) (05:26) What We Don't Do - Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More

Introduction

Part I: Inaction in the Face of Suffering

1. The Baron, the Sophomore, and the Savior
• Tristerne, France, 1512
• Hempstead, New York, 2000
• Jerusalem, circa 30 CE
• Two Premises

2. The Fourth Box
• The Four Boxes
• Evaluating Ourselves
• Half a Billion Barons
• How You Became So Very, Very Powerful

3. The Roots of Our Inaction
• Evolutionary Psychology
• Ethics Fast and Slow
• Religion and Law

4. The Impossible Standard
• The Impossible Standard
• Getting Clear on What We Want
• Judgment

Part II: The Drive to Do More

5. Owning What We Don’t Do
• Money, Time, and Mental Energy
• Making Deliberate Choices in a Zero-Sum Game

6. Thinking Like an Athlete
• Athletic Ethics
• The Drive to Achieve
• Building Cognitive Strength and Stamina
• Embracing Discomfort
• Sacrifice

7. Dealing Honestly with Trade-offs
• Personal Trade-offs
• Trade-offs for Others
• A Final Word on Trade-offs

Conclusion: Apathy and Action
Dedication
About the Author

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Cooney's 'What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More' offers an interesting perspective on how we respond to suffering around us. The book examines the psychological barriers that often prevent action and explores methods to overcome them. Cooney's analysis of how we process global and local challenges provides some thought-provoking insights. The writing style is accessible, making complex ethical concepts easier to grasp. This book presents relevant frameworks without becoming overly prescriptive for readers interested in the psychology of altruism and ethical decision-making. It's a worthwhile read for anyone contemplating their role in addressing societal issues.

[Pat LaStrapes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Cooney is brutally honest and surgically incisive in his sober, thought-provoking page-turner that goes straight to the crux of effective altruism. When one shifts attention from feeling good to actualizing the most good possible, one begins to utilize one’s full potential thoughtfully, unselfishly and deliberately to achieve the highest impact attainable, maximizing resources and optimizing efficiency. As Cooney places the reader under the light of self-examination, the reader is drawn to own missed and untapped opportunities to do good in the midst of great human and non-human suffering. Suffice it to say that this treatise places the reader on a path of honest and thorough self-scrutiny and transformation.

[Marko Jovanovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More" by Nick Cooney is one of those books that makes you stop and think. Cooney dives deep into why we often avoid helping, even when we know we should. The way he blends personal insights with research is refreshing, and he does it without sounding preachy. It’s not just an exploration of inaction, but a call to really look at what we can do, and how to take that first step. A quick, eye-opening read that leaves you feeling motivated without guilt-tripping you—highly recommend it for anyone looking to understand human behavior a little better!

[Aleksandra Stankovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book made me pause and take a hard look at the gap between what I feel and what I actually do. It doesn't preach, but it gently forces you to confront the discomfort of good intentions without meaningful follow-through. I appreciated how it brought certain patterns of inaction into focus—ones I hadn't even realized were there. It’s the kind of book that stays with you after you finish it, nudging you to be braver, more deliberate, and more active in how you respond to the suffering around you. I found it both inspiring and uncomfortable in the best possible way. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to live with more purpose and impact.

[Kristina Radovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an eye-opening read that makes you think. It’s a refreshing take on why people often don’t act when they see suffering, even when it feels like they should. Cooney does a fantastic job breaking down the psychology behind inaction and how we can overcome it to make a real difference. The book is insightful yet easy to read, with just the right research and personal reflection balance. If you're looking for something that challenges and inspires you to take action, this book hits the mark. Highly recommend!

[Robyn Charisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's nice to have read What We Don’t Do by Nick Cooney and it was insightful. The book takes a deep dive into why we often stand by in the face of suffering, even when we know we could help. The book doesn't just point out the problem—it gives practical insights into how we can shift from inaction to real, positive change. It does not sound preachy, and the way it blends psychology, personal stories, and social issues makes it feel incredibly relatable. If you're looking to challenge your own mindset and take action on the issues that matter, this book is a must-read.

[Segyo Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What We Don’t Do” is an eye-opening read that challenges the way we think about inaction in the face of suffering. Nick Cooney does a fantastic job of diving deep into why we often stand by when we could take action, and what motivates us to do more when we finally do. It’s a thought-provoking, insightful book that doesn’t just leave you reflecting but also inspires real change in how we approach the world’s problems. A must-read for anyone looking to understand the gap between awareness and action—and how to close it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More by Nick Cooney, and wow, it really made me think. Cooney dives deep into why we often stand by in the face of suffering, even when we know we could do something. The way he blends psychology, human behavior, and real-world examples is eye-opening. It’s a thought-provoking read that challenges you to reflect on your own choices—whether it's about activism or even just day-to-day actions. Highly recommend it if you want to better understand why people hesitate to act and what it takes to change that.

[Daša Kajević · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect What We Don’t Do to stick with me the way it did, but wow—it really reworked how I think about “doing good.” Nick Cooney digs into this idea of inaction and flips it on its head in a way that’s both super thought-provoking and strangely motivating. It’s not preachy, just really honest and grounded. It made me realize that sometimes what we're not doing matters way more than we think. Definitely one of those books that quietly reshapes your mindset without you even noticing at first.

[Kertna Tharmaraja · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely absorbed by this book as the author has this incredible talent for helping you confront uncomfortable truths without feeling judged. What struck me most was how relatable the examples felt; I kept seeing myself in these scenarios and understanding my own inaction in a new light. It's one of those rare reads that gently shifts your perspective while offering genuine hope that we can do better. If you're looking for something that will challenge you without overwhelming you, this is absolutely worth your time.

[Bagas Kusuma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book and honestly, it hit me in the best way.

It’s not your typical “change the world” book—it’s more like a gentle nudge that makes you stop and ask: why am I not doing more, even when I care? Super sharp, grounded in real-life examples, and written with this calm urgency that sticks with you.

Nick doesn’t guilt you—he just lays things out in a way that makes reflection unavoidable. I’ve been thinking about this book during random parts of my day, and that says something. Highly recommend if you're into impact, ethics, or just trying to be more honest with yourself.

[Ken Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What We Don't Do" is a mirror to our collective inaction, challenging us with logic and urgency to confront the impact of our choices. It's not about guilt, but empowerment—showing how even small actions can have monumental effects and inspiring us to rethink our priorities and strive for a better world. Whether you're already passionate about a cause or just starting to explore, this book is a perfect read.

[Bonnie Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Cooney’s What We Don’t Do is like a wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. It’s not about wallowing in suffering—it’s about why we sit on our hands when we could actually help. Super chill to read, but it sneaks in some heavy truth bombs about how our inaction screws over way more people than our actions ever could. Made me rethink my excuses and kinda wanna get off the couch and do something real. Solid stuff!

[Vilosha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book quietly shakes up how you see the world. It’s not just about what we do—it’s about all the things we don’t do, and the staggering impact of inaction. The book is honest, thought-provoking, and surprisingly empowering, urging readers to embrace their ability to make a difference. If you’ve ever wondered how much good you’re truly capable of, this book will challenge you in the best way possible.

[Cecilia Zhao · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What We Don't Do" is one of those books that quietly shifts the way you see the world. Nick Cooney takes an often-overlooked topic—our inaction in the face of suffering—and explores it with sharp insight and real-world relevance. It’s not just a book about problems; it’s a nudge (or maybe a push) toward action, showing how small choices can add up to real change. Thought-provoking, well-researched, and surprisingly engaging for such a heavy topic. Definitely worth a read!"

[Ljubomir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really appreciated the perspective this book brings. It’s one of those reads that quietly lingers in your mind, pushing you to think a little differently about what not doing something actually means. Cooney has a way of making complex moral questions feel accessible without being preachy. It’s not a light topic, but the writing keeps it engaging and surprisingly readable. Definitely one of those books that makes you reflect on your own patterns and choices. Glad I picked it up.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really makes you rethink the power of inaction—how the things we don’t do can be just as impactful as the things we do. Nick Cooney takes a thought-provoking, research-backed look at why we hesitate in the face of suffering and what it takes to overcome that. It’s not just a call to action; it’s a call to awareness. It's eye-opening, practical, and surprisingly motivating!

[Marielle Lagulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book felt like having a deep conversation with a wise friend, one who gently challenges you to see the moral blind spots you’d rather ignore. It made me reflect on the times I’ve known the right thing to do but hesitated to follow through. If you’ve ever felt that gap between intention and action, this book will speak to you. I highly recommend it.

[Sofiya Shazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book everyone has to pick up at least once in their lives. If you've ever wondered if you could be doing more to help others but weren't sure where to start, Cooney provides clarity and direction without the guilt trip. He offers a practical roadmap for turning passive concern into meaningful action without burning out. Great read!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really took me by surprise. It’s not loud or dramatic, but it gets you thinking about the quieter side of ethics—what happens when we don’t act. Cooney writes in a way that’s easy to follow but still makes you stop and reconsider your assumptions. I found myself reflecting on it long after I put it down. It’s a solid, thought-provoking read without feeling too heavy.

[Daniel J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Cooney’s “What We Don’t Do” is an insightful exploration of why we often hesitate to act when faced with suffering. Thoughtful and motivating, this book will make you think twice about how you engage with the world.