Merriam-Webster Dictionary wrote: |
altruism: feelings and behavior that show a desire to help other people and a lack of selfishness
Recently read a short essay on this topic which discussed altruism being labeled as innately 'impossible' in humans. The author mentioned that in Uni they learnt the act of altruism is not possible, because the giver is receiving an equal return for the altruistic act.
I thought about this and wanted to write about it and see what everyone else thinks.
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Do you think 'The Matrix' conditions us to believe altruism doesn't or can a person give without receiving in return?
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My thoughts, especially after learning a lot from here, is that there is a return in the transaction for the giver, be it if he/she is aware of it or not. I believe what I stated above is a fact; a transaction occurs for both parties, receiver/giver. However, it is were the act is coming from, intentions, that is equally as important.
Is it just to help another person out?
Is it to feel good about themselves for being a 'good' person?
Are they seeking something else in return?
What is it?
I can give an example relating to my own life and how I was in the past. I was a person who was 'nice' to nearly everyone I met. I believed I was being a 'GOOD PERSON'. I did many acts of kindness and helped many people with different things.
However, this is funny to me now...back then I believed my intentions where SINCERE, no hidden agendas. Not until I found myself here on Natural Freedom and did some introspection did I find out that my "acts of niceness" were not as sincere as I had thought them to be. I had attached hidden strings to my acts of kindness that I wasn't even aware of. It's funny, because I remember believing then that I was a good and sincere person; fully believed it!
What I attached to my acts of kindness: wanting acceptance and/or appreciation from the person(s) I was helping. I did my 'acts of kindness' in hopes that the receivers of my act(s) would fill my 'half-empty cup'. I was not coming from a WHOLE place.
This relates to my thought on the matter by my belief that acts of SINCERE kindness, altruistic behavior, can only be done from a WHOLE place. Meaning the individual is coming from a place of abundance and doesn't NEED anything from the receiver (acceptance, praise, whatever). "I have everything I NEED already...you look like you need some help though."
Altruistic behavior does exist ONLY when a person is coming from a WHOLE place. The transaction does occur, however if the individual giving is coming from a WHOLE place, then the return value of the receiver is not of importance to the giver, because they don't NEED it. Indifference to the outcome of it.
Those are my thoughts and views at the moment. What do the rest of you think on the subject?