What, in your opinion, would be the ultimate act of altruism?

Answer 1

To sacrifice ones life for the life of another

Answer 2

Altruism is the practice of placing others before oneself. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures, and central to many religious traditions. In English, this idea was often described as the Golden rule of ethics. In Buddhism it is considered a fundamental property of human nature.

Altruism can be distinguished from a feeling of loyalty and duty. Altruism focuses on a motivation to help others or a want to do
good without reward, while duty focuses on a moral obligation towards a specific individual (e.g., God, a king), a specific organization (e.g. a government), or an abstract concept (e.g., country etc). Some individuals may feel both altruism and duty, while others may not. Pure altruism is giving without regard to reward or the benefits of recognition.

The concept has a long history in philosophical and ethical thought, and has more recently become a topic for psychologists, sociologists, evolutionary biologists, and ethologists. While ideas about altruism from one field can have an impact on the other fields, the different methods and focuses of these fields lead to different perspectives on altruism.

In Christianity:
John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Peace and Love

Answer 3

Well, you shouldn't use big words that aren't in the bible... some people might not have a clue what you mean.

I think the ultimate act of altruism is sacrificing your life to save a child's life. A child you don't even know in fact, that just happens to be in harm's way and you have the chance to save him/her even though it means your own life.

Answer 4

Jesus cornered that market.

Any volunteer service for people in need are acts of altruism. They don't have to be "ultimate" to count.

Answer 5

One where the person doing the good deed is never aware of the good he has done -- because then they may be doing it for the strokes to their ego. That's why I never thought much of Mother Theresa -- she did what she did because she thought it would make the baby Jesus love her....

There's an old Sufi parable about the one truly Just and Righteous Man: God offers him a gift -- anything he wants! The man says that he wants to spend his days doing good deeds, but he never wants to be aware of how much he's helped others.

God grants him his wish.

Then he thinks about it for a moment...

...and decides that it's such a good idea, God decides to grant this wish to all humanity.

Answer 6

I personally believe that even the most "altruistic" act is done on some level, for the benefit of the one inacting it - it makes that person feel good to do it, therefore they are getting some reward.

That said.

I practice random acts of kindness on a small scale whenever possible, anonymously, if possible. That way I am guaranteed that I have no strings attatched, or expectations for reward or thanks from the receipient.

Answer 7

Working your *** off for the sole purpose of funding non-profit organizations.

Answer 8

Dying so that others might live.