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Does true altruism exist?
The most highly-regarded psychologists will tell you that; No, it doesn't. They'll tell you that every pro-social behaviour is reinforced in some way; either you'll feel good about it, you'll feel less bad about something, you'll support your belief that you're a good person and so avoid cognitive dissonance, or else you've been previously conditioned through classical, operant or social learning to behave in this way. Even animals engage in a type of reciprical altruism and perform protective functions, but still these are not true forms of altruism. The latter behaviour increases the chance of one's genes surviving, which in turn is biologically conditioned in animals, and boosts self-esteem in humans. With all these factors accounted for, can you think of any case of pro-social behaviour that can be called truly atruistic? Also, have you ever withnessed such a case?
I posted this in R&S as the psychology section seems to be reserved for self-acclaimed psychics, and no longer had anything to do with psychology.
Ethan: It's certainly possible.
link955, beautifully put, and you actually sound a bit full of yourself which in this case lands your point home.
Friend of Jesus: If you think everyone is selfish, doesn't that undermine your beliefs on going to Heaven somewhat?
And I think I'm fine for learning how "unique" Jesus is, thanks. Everyone's egotistic but it's still possible to go too far.
6 Answers
- link955Lv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
True altruism would involve the complete surrender of self, which no one in their right mind is really capable of. As the psychologists point out, most altruism is a self-serving enterprise, wherein the do-gooder feels better about himself, and convinces himself he therefore feels better about humanity in general. Most of the altruistic organizations I can recall consisted of a bunch of rich folks holding their noses and handing out second-hand clothing to the poor.
Having said that: I believe nursing to be the last altruistic endeavor left, or at least the closest we'll get. And I'm not saying this because I've been a nurse for over 30 years; I can just tell you we are in this profession to make other lives better. While it does, indeed, make me feel better about myself at times, it is also a incredible feeling to know you made a difference in someone's life, even if they don't know it or acknowledge it (and many of our patients don't).
- 1 decade ago
Yes, of course it does. Just because you feel good about something doesn't make it any less altruistic. And if you need an example that involves no positive feedback whatsoever, consider the soldier who gives his or her life to protect the freedom of people they'll never know. Or first responders who run into a burning building and die for the slight possibility that they might help save one person they've never met.
- Feta SmurfLv 51 decade ago
I just read about this in 'The God Delusion'.
When you become a parent you feel genuine altruism. I would give my life for my child.
And that has nothing to do with me being selfish - other than the continuation of my genetics I suppose. In which case it would still be selfish.
- Friend of JesusLv 41 decade ago
No, I don't think true altruism exists in natural man. What you generally observe is selfishness and egotism.
The only person on this earth who was truly altruistic was Jesus Christ. Read the New Testament to find out how He behaved.
He lived a life of perfect integrity, was not afraid of anyone, and because of His incredible love attracted the outcasts of society.
Not only that, He even willingly died for those who hated him.
Listen to this audio to learn more about the uniqueness of Jesus:
http://www.goodnewsnow.info/index.php?option=com_c...
Edit:
When I talked about selfishness I was talking about the NATURAL man. Just observe little children how willing they are to share their toys ; (
No natural person will be able to make their way to heaven, we never do enough good deeds to outweigh the bad ones. Just because don't lie today doesn't erase the lie I uttered yesterday.
That's why Jesus came to Earth. He paid the price for all my failures and sins and erased them all from my record when I surrendered my life to Him. Only because of what Jesus did am I able to enter heaven one day-- not because of the good I happen to do. We are not saved BY good works, we are saved UNTO good works, that is, because of our relationship with Jesus we will do good works, not as a means to get to heaven.
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- 1 decade ago
Does being nice to Christians count?
Because, seriously, I get nothing back in return whenever I do that.
