Is there such a thing as a selfless act?

Question

I've been reading alot of Twain, I want to open a dialogue on this one. I can't find a flaw in the arguement.

In the work What is Man, Twain states that there are no selfless acts, especially not the crucifiction of Christ. Twain on a side note was a Christian. If Christ recieved nothing else from it, he recieved satisfaction from doing as his father God wanted. The arguement he makes is that all people do all things to satisfy themselves first, even if only emotionally.

Answer 1

Is there such a thing as a purely selfless act? I say, no, there really isn't - and thank god! For those of us who like the idea of acting on behalf of others, with at least very little thought for what one will personally gain from it, may think this is somewhat of a bad thing, however it actually turns out to be quite a good thing. Let me explain...

It is simply not possible to give to another without getting something out of it for ourselves in return. This is a very fundamental universal law; a lack of awareness of it's existence doesn't make it any less real and functional, just as the law of gravity continues to be a fact of life, whether or not we comprehend it's workings.

For instance, to choose to understand another person and their circumstances is a form of compassion and is therefore an act of giving that benefits the one doing it, even if no one else is the wiser. This is because feelings of compassion produce positive conditions in the one expressing the compassion long before it's positive benefits can ripple out from you and affect other people.

Likewise, choosing to pass judgment on another person and their circumstances stands to benefit no one since the act of judging requires a distinct lack of understanding, due to the blindfold of ignorance one must sport in order to penalize another for their differences. This is because faultfinding is a negative activity that affects the inner level of the one expressing it, even when no one else is aware that they are doing it.

Therefore, the very fact that you GIVE to another automatically benefits YOU, the giver, whether or not you hoped to, or expected to, benefit from the act in advance. The conclusion then is that there is no such thing as a "selfless act", mainly because what we put out into the world must first pass through our being before it can reach anyone else out there (the self can never be removed from the equation).

Certainly, the same rule applies when we flirt with negativity, either in thought or deed, since it too must pass through us before it can reach our target. Perhaps if more people understood this concept they'd choose to treat others with more kindness since they themselves would naturally be the very first recipients of all the things they thought, felt, said, and did on behalf of others.

Answer 2

God is the master of the win-win. That's the only reason that doing good isn't truly selfless.

In fact, the opposite is likely more true: doing evil is more likely to be selfless, because there is not much or any initial benefit, and very serious, negative long-term consequences.

Follow Satan and you get little or nothing right away, and you're guaranteed to get nothing but condemnation, slavery and death, later on.

With God, the more you give away, the more you receive.

Jesus gave away everything, including his human body to save us from sin and death.

His Father was so pleased, that he not only gave Jesus his life back (the Resurrection) but all power in heaven and on earth, as well.

Answer 3

I don't think that an act can be completely selfless. I believe that you can do something for the right reasons, but it is only human nature to feel that satisfaction you get from thinking, "I'm such a good person."

Answer 4

Yes i believe that it would be an act in which you give all and recieve nothing in return. Maybe the giving of one's life to save anothers. Any act could be selfless if your heart is in the right place. This question is more spiritual than physical action.

Answer 5

Good question, huh? I LOVE Twain, I'm reading a biography right now, I'll send it to you when I'm done if you'll send it back to me when you're through. To answer the question - Yes! But in order for it to be a completely selfless act one must be unaware of it and unaffected by it, improbable for a sentient being except in theory but certainly possible in very narrow parameters. I need a Tylonol now...

Answer 6

Probably not a selfless act committed by a human.

The only one I know of is Christ's death on the cross for our sins.

Answer 7

I think anytime you do something to benefit another person, even if you don't take credit for it, you benefit from the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment. So it's not technically selfless, but nothing wrong with that!

Answer 8

yes, anything you do for another that you want no acknowledgement for in your heart.

For instance, random acts of kindness fall into this area, unless of course you go around telling everybody that you do these things.

When you give tithe to your church it is stated that you must do it with a joyful heart and without obligation. For if you do it out of obligation, you have done no good.

Random acts of kindness are by far the best way to do this without getting (caught).

Leave money in parking meters, leave money in washers and dryers at a laundry mat.

Sent cards to random address with cheerful messages. i cannot think of all the things that can be done without anyone else knowing about it, but there are so many.

Answer 9

Yes there is such thing as a selfless act. Unfortunately our news is filled with selfish acts.

Answer 10

The only possible selfless act is one which is completely spurious, such as a seizure.