In this piece, Dalrymple argues that our gaze is magnetized by distant crises while the sufferings nearest to us, those we might actually relieve, are neglected. We moralize about far-off spectacles and policy grand narratives, yet overlook the concrete duties right under our noses.

By sloganeering one has discharged oneself, so to speak, of the onerous duty to be good.

Read the full essay here.