Larissa MacFarquhar

Larissa MacFarquhar, an incisive voice in contemporary journalism, has been a prominent staff writer at The New Yorker since 1998. Her penetrating profiles have cast a spotlight on an eclectic array of influential figures, including the likes of poet John Ashbery, former President Barack Obama, philosopher Noam Chomsky, novelist Hilary Mantel, and chef David Chang. Before her tenure at The New Yorker, MacFarquhar honed her editorial acumen as a senior editor at Lingua Franca and an advisory editor at The Paris Review, and her insightful writings have graced the pages of Artforum, The Nation, The New Republic, and Slate. Her work has been recognized with multiple accolades, including two Front Page Awards from the Newswomen’s Club of New York. In 2015, MacFarquhar’s literary prowess culminated in the publication of "Strangers Drowning: Grappling with Impossible Idealism, Drastic Choices, and the Overpowering Urge to Help," a thought-provoking exploration of altruism and the moral complexities faced by those compelled to help others at great personal cost. The book delves into the lives of individuals who pursue extreme selflessness, challenging readers to reconsider the boundaries of ethical behavior and societal expectations. This seminal work has been celebrated for its profound narrative depth and its ability to incite meaningful discourse on the nature of compassion and moral duty. MacFarquhar's writing is distinguished by its intellectual rigor and empathetic insight, often weaving intricate narratives that examine the nuanced interplay between personal conviction and societal norms. Her contributions to the field of journalism have solidified her reputation as a distinguished chronicler of human motivation and ethical dilemmas. Through her eloquent prose and sharp analytical lens, she continues to influence and inspire discourse on the complexities of human behavior and moral philosophy.