Is there really such a thing as a selfless act?

Question

Even if I do something 'selfless' like donating, volunteering etc I get a good feeling from it therefore I gain from doing it!

Answer 1

If we are motivated to do something, for whatever reason, than it isn't absolutely selfless. There are some actions that are more generous than others, but as you said, we do benefit from charity. And I don't think it is just the good feeling that's the motivator for charity. I think that deep down, we do charity in the hopes that if we're ever in the same situation, we'd get charity. It's a matter of putting yourself in the other person's shoes. It's called empathy. We'd rather live in a world where people don't suffer as much. I also think there is a strong instinctual element to it. Group empathy helps bind the group and make it stronger. You see this a lot in the animal kingdom, too.

Answer 2

In extreme situations people die for each other. They give up the ultimate- their own self- for another. How can anything be more selfless than this?

Or sometimes, someone does the right thing bedrudgingly- moving as if there are weights attached to every limb, because they do not clearly benefit or feel good about it (one could argue that they benefit from knowing they are morally sound).

Anyway it is true that you get a good feeling from being "selfless," so it isn't truly selfish- dying may be the only truly sefless act- but I also thing the exchange of good things is a beautiful thing and probably necessary somehow. Some definitely people abuse this, using other people to bring attention to themselves (eve if only their own attention), though I don't believe everyone does. Good question.

Answer 3

However, the mere fact that you gain satisfaction is not your reason for donating. You donate to give to others and satisfaction is a benefit. So, yes there are selfless acts.