What drives a person to risk their own life to save the life of another? I respect and honor those who do, but would like to know if there is a certain motivation or personality trait that makes them tick. Obviously not all people posess the same characteristic - there are plenty of people out there who "look out for #1" instead. What's the personality difference?
2006-09-26 16:26:18 · 12 answers · asked by dbackbarb 4 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
To kick it up a notch, agree or disagree with this statement-- People who risk their lives to save others demonstrate a breakthrough of the metaphorical realization that they and the other are one--separateness is only an effect--the true reality is in the unity with all life. --Joseph Campbell
2006-09-26 16:48:30 · update #1
Ok, here's another element. Is it selfish to think of your own family as a reason to NOT risk it all? I understand if you chose emergency services as a profession, but if you are a civilian who witnesses a crime or a fire, would you risk your life to help if you had small children?
2006-09-27 03:48:00 · update #2
This is a great question!
I was a volunteer firefighter and an EMT for many years.
I know that there are some who do it for the glory, or because they believe they are superman.
However, there are some out there who do it because they believe in the value of human life. The true heroes are those who you will probably never hear about.
As far as motivation or a character trait, it will be very hard to but your finger on. We have been taught in our training not to put ourselves in danger, but that just is not possible.
2006-09-26 16:38:00 · answer #1 · answered by oltmprch 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I definitely think that there is a certain personality trait that most rescuers have that others don't. It's not a God complex or an adrenaline rush junkie thing. They just like that feeling of being able to help. I also think that anyone under the right circumstance will rick their life for another.
2006-09-26 16:37:09 · answer #2 · answered by Lobo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ive been trained to kill.
Im in the Military. Yet I know how to kill, I cant say whether or not I will be able to. I would like to think I would. But I wont know until that situation comes up.
I dont think people know they have those traits in them until they come across a situation where its needed. Many people would like to think they would help and risk thier lives, but truly, do they know that for a fact?
I beleive its natural. Something inside makes you jump out of the crowd and risk yourself. I call that trait, courage. .
2006-09-26 16:37:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I work as a security officer. I've done this type of work for over twenty years and in all that time, I once did CPR on a diabetic who had a heart attack in a grocery store. Not to blow my own horn,but I didn't do it for a pat on the back or some recognition.
It's knowing that you are in a position to help those who can't help or defend themselves. To tell the truth,it's a strong sense of decency that makes you want to risk your life for another.
2006-09-26 17:03:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know that I'd be able to risk my life if it came down to that but some people just have a natural instinct to help others. They don't think about themselves in that moment.
These people tend to be more impulsive.
2006-09-26 16:33:28 · answer #5 · answered by vampire_kitti 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
particular i might probability the existence of my unborn toddler to save those i've got already got, i think of because of the fact i've got already got considered one of these stable bond with my little ones it may well be an on the spot reaction that i would not even think of approximately. i would not probability the existence of my very own toddlers or unborn toddler in spite of the indisputable fact that for somebody else's toddler, egocentric? according to probability, yet to me the main extreme undertaking interior the international is my very own toddlers and that i might by no skill jeopardize them over somebody else.
2016-10-01 10:04:42 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
close ur eyes..think deep ,think of those eyes that couldnt thank u enough..think of the love u earned...ummm is that not worth riskin all...more over..think again if u were the one in trouble...how much u would wish to come out free....
its a feeling some go sooooo strong on it..is it not worth makin ur life a gift to others...all live but only some make it worth
2006-09-26 17:49:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yee- haw! For me its the rush of being right in the middle of all the excitment. In my job, if either myself or co workers dont act quickly we can all get hurt, but getting there is the fun part!
2006-09-26 16:44:41 · answer #8 · answered by Grandpa Shark 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
good intelligent question!!! i think it's a basic human instinct to try and save someone. people have jumped into the water to try and save a drowning person, when they don't even know how to swim!!!
2006-09-26 16:50:10 · answer #9 · answered by shari 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's called LOVE, the love of what you have and knowing without it you are dead
2006-09-26 16:35:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋