Can someone give me an example of a truly selfless act?

Question

Before you answer, remember the following definition of the word 'selfless'...It means "having no concern for self"
I have pondered this, after Dr. Phil (who I am a fan of) said once that people (ALL people) have some degree of concern of "what's in it for me" in any given situation. I have found this to be true...there is ALWAYS some benefit--
Even people who do seemingly "selfless" things get the benefit of being looked upon by others as a "selfless" person...(is everyone following me, here?)
So, I'd really like to have an example of a purely selfless act...I can't think of any...

To the first two responces:

#1--you get to feel the pride of knowing you did something good that others may not have...you benefit, therefore, not selfless

#2--you said it yourself...you felt a great deal of satisfaction doing what you did (& I'm glad you helped the poor girls!) but again, not selfless, as you benefited too.

#3--knowing in your heart that you saved a child's life is a benefit...not selfless

Do you see what I mean??? I can't come up with one!!

#4--good deeds, whether some one else knows about them or not still provide one with the benefit of feeling good about themselves, and in that case, following the rules of religion...beneficial, not selfless

#5--yes, indeed a wonderful act of kindness, again, but not purely selfless

Crabby_blindguy is on the same page with me!

And Confused...I don't think there is such a thing either...not in a pure, unadulterated fashion, anyway.

Answer 1

I agree with your analysis--with some qualifications. If there is a "truely selfless act" it is the sacrifice of one's own life to save the lives of others.

But even there, one has to consider whether the person making the sacrifice would find their own life worth living if they chose to live at the cost of, say, allowing a loved one to die.

But I'd add that the notion of "selfless" is frankly, a moral non sequiter. Nowhere in human history--or religion--or philosophy--has thisso-called moral standard been taught. Even the example of Christ (this holds whether you are a christian or not) made no pretense about this. His teaching was based on people acting on their long-term best interests (better to go to heaven than hell, whatever the cost inn tthis life)--and His own sacrifice was definately based on an expected gain.

The concept of selflessness--as oposed to a rational measure of altruism--is generally used by those who have ulterior motives to intimidate others into acting against their own best interests. "Rational altruism," on the other hand, takes the view that the welfare of others is a value-one that (at least up to a point) is worth incurring a cost to oneself--but properly understood, this is by no means "selfless."

Answer 2

The passenger who had survived the crash and had repeatedly given up the rescue lines to other survivors before drowning was later identified as...

Arland Dean Williams Jr. (September 23, 1935 to January 13, 1982)

... aboard Air Florida Flight 90, which crashed on take-off in Washington, D.C. on January 13, 1982, killing 78 people. He was among the six persons to initially survive the crash. His actions after the crash, handling the initial rescue efforts as a first responder, became a well-known example of extraordinary heroism, although it cost him his life. He did not know any of the other victims personally. In fact, his identity was not even known until some time after the bodies were recovered.

The (14th St.) bridge -- which connects Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia, upon which the crash occurred -- has since borne his name to honor his memory.

Answer 3

There is no such thing as a selfless act. What differs is the extent to which you are satisfied with yourself and the amount of pride you feel in your own actions

Answer 4

I was on my way home in a blizzard one stormy night and I decided to head home on a different route. This route was totally back road stuff and I headed that way for some unknown reason. I soon came upon a car that had a flat tire and two young girls. I helped them change the tire despite the raging weather and my wife and kids in the car. I changed the tire and the girls insisted I go back into town with them so they could pay me. I insisted that I had done it for no other reason to help someone else. It was a satisfying feeling to help someone else.

Answer 5

To see a lady who needs help with her bags or shopping, or a mother struggling with her pram or bags to help them would be a selfless act as you are not benifiting in any way for such a job just helping them x

Answer 6

The only truly "selfless" act in all history is Christ dieing on a Roman cross for the sins of mankind.

Answer 7

in case you view it from the main harsh available attitude, then there is not any such factor, because of the fact such acts will continually: a million. shelter the genetic line (mothers' acts of selflessness) 2. Make the project experience sturdy approximately themselves i do no longer plenty shelter this attitude, regardless of the undeniable fact that it may't be denied.

Answer 8

This is probably a bad example but...

If you saw some one about to get hurt, for example, A chld crossing the street, and you ran and saved the child and then refused to give your name.

You just saved the child, placed them down safely on the sidewalk and quickly walked away.

You got nothing for it, you dont want anything for it.

Answer 9

Donating your body to science is selfless. Once you are dead, there are no feelings of pride or feelings of any kind. That is the only one I can come up with.

Answer 10

Give a bum $1000 when thats all the money you have...then dont tell anyone or give them your name...hand it over and walk off. Selfless I think.