Everyday altruistic acts; what about you?

[Hàkon]

Does altruism tie into your everyday life? If so, how? If not, why?

And what are your thoughts on how it manifests or does not manifest?


Behaviors sprung from applied altruism in groups of individuals.

Biological altruism is defined by the behavior of an organism A that benefits other organisms while simultaneously being directly self-destructive to organism A itself. The benefit and damage measured in reproductive fitness, that is.

The biological idea of altruism is not identical to the everyday concept; in everyday parlance, an action would only be called altruistic if it is done with the conscious intention of helping another at the expense of one's own interests, and should not be confused with empathy.

Now, whether true altruism exists in its everyday sense is not to be focused on here, although your thoughts on the subject are very much welcomed.

This is an attempt to see if there is any distinguishable tendencies among members and our respective cultures, and an invite to share interesting stories.

[Corvus]

Yes I would dare to say I have an altruistic inclination. I help people I feel a certain compassion for.
Just at the moment I help a delusional person even though sometimes I ask myself if this person really deserves it.

[larali]

As a mom, I sacrifice a lot for my family. Is that altruism?

I've sacrificed career, personal care, and time, often at the expense of my mental and physical well-being.

As for strangers, as a family we are involved in several church related charities, have financially "adopted" a child in Guatemala, and regularly donate time and money to various local needs. I have given food and money to beggars even though I know they will misuse it.

Altruism is a lifestyle, I think.

[mr. logan]

Misery loves company. Unless charity, which is deductible.

[Loki]

I measure people's worth of character by their inclination towards altruism.

[Hàkon]

As a mom, I sacrifice a lot for my family. Is that altruism?

My understanding is that altruism is unconditional self-sacrifice; although one could argue it would not count as biological altruism, I think what you describe is indeed disinterestedness.

I measure people's worth of character by their inclination towards altruism.

It has been argued that altruism is a sign of intelligence; studies made on the subject point to the claim's validity. (I assume there have been a few, as it was put forward in such a way in Legatus Mensae, no. 2 2013).
Here is one.

[rhiannon]

As a mom, I sacrifice a lot for my family. Is that altruism?

I've sacrificed career, personal care, and time, often at the expense of my mental and physical well-being.

As for strangers, as a family we are involved in several church related charities, have financially "adopted" a child in Guatemala, and regularly donate time and money to various local needs. I have given food and money to beggars even though I know they will misuse it.

Altruism is a lifestyle, I think.

We've done the same thing for a little girl born on the exact same day and year as my little boy. She is a beautiful child living in Niger. We plan to basically be a financial backing for her as long as we would for our little boy!

I always let people cut ahead of me in line if they have only a few items. I never have *only a few items* lol.

One thing I keep in mind is to try finding ways to be complimentary to others. It really brightens a persons' day to get a compliment, after all!

We give shitloads of stuff to the Goodwill....and buy from them as well lol. Same for food banks and solicitors during the holiday season.

We've taken in 7 cats from our local shelters in the space of the past 10 years. They are still with us and shall remain!

And....like you, I am a mother who has made all those same sacrifices. It is going to be harder for me to get back into the field again because I've been out for the past four years.....but my little boy has definitely benefited from having his mommy's love and nurturing. My husband has in many ways as well. We are closer than ever. But.....sacrifice is part of the deal and I am okay with that!

[heygum]

Altruistic act doesn't exist. The ultimate goal of every single act of yours is selfish. Anonymous charity is selfish, because you're doing it to make yourself happier by triggering your own brain's reward system.

Pictures sometimes could seem blurry.

Why would a monk/priest go to a monastery to torture himself by eating/drinking a little, hitting himself with stick?

Because that's what makes him happy.

Why would you post such a deep/complicated post?

Because you're showing to the world that you're smart, and that's make you happy.

Why would I post here?

Because I want to show the world that I'm smart, and that's make me happy.

Why would someone reply to my post?

Because she/he wnat to show the world that he/she's smart, and that's make him/her happy.

Why would every single person here pretend that he/she is smart?
Because that gives a good chance to procreate.

Why would someone want to procreate?

[Loki]

It has been argued that altruism is a sign of intelligence; studies made on the subject point to the claim's validity. (I assume there have been a few, as it was put forward in such a way in Legatus Mensae, no. 2 2013).
Here is one.

Correct. I have also heard it is claimed that altruism is one of the main reasons why human beings developed, and the other great apes stagnated. Chimpanzees, for example, are very intelligent - in some respects even more than humans. But they are far more selfish and lack the altruism of humans. Altruism has ensured that the human species survived and prospered, far more than their primate cousins.

[Loki]

The ultimate goal of every single act of yours is selfish.

You can speak only for yourself.