How far are you from becoming altruistic?
2006-12-27 05:08:19 · 10 answers · asked by ♨ Wisper ► 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Webster's definition of altruism is: regard for or devotion to the interests of others. Altruism is a noble virtue because it empties the personality of pride and selfishness. It truly exemplifies the 11th Commandment of our Lord to love thy neighbor as thyself. People who are altruistic have learned to humble themselves and to devoid themselves of material concerns out of interest for others. The person who monasticizes his life is not altruistic, but instead is painfully selfish because he enters a state of poverty and fasting for personal gain---the altruistic person rarely thinks of himself. Monasticism is religious---altruism is never religious, but always righteous.
2006-12-27 05:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by Preacher 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think human nature prevents any human from being completely altruistic. I do however believe there are a very few handful of people who are/have been close, such as Mother Theresa, Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. to name a few. True altruism (behavior that is not beneficial to self or could even be harmful to self that benefits another) is not necessarily something that I am striving for. What I am looking to do is to take care of my self and be able at the same time extend help to others.
2006-12-27 05:48:06 · answer #2 · answered by tuckintee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Altruism is caring about others before the self. I'm working on it as a Buddhist, just like anyone else who chooses to cultivate it on increasingly higher levels.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama along with MANY other Buddhist teachers are altruistic and as close to "completely altruistic" as I can perceive. If you look hard enough you can find them in any religion and walk of life.
2006-12-27 05:14:46 · answer #3 · answered by vinslave 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'll defer to Robert Heinlein on this one:
"Of all the nonsense that twists the world, the concept of 'altruism' is the worst. People do what they want to, every time. If it pains them to make a choice- if the 'choice' looks like a 'sacrifice' -- you can be sure that it is no nobler than the discomfort caused by greediness... the necessity of having to decide between two things you want when you can't have both. The ordinary bloke suffers every time he chooses between spending a buck on beer or tucking it away for his kids, between getting up to go to work and losing his job. But he always chooses that which hurts least or pleasures most. The scoundrel and the saint make the same choices."
- Robert A. Heinlein, "Stranger in a Strange Land"
2006-12-27 05:30:18 · answer #4 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Altruism is helping others while having no expectation of reward. In fact, there are times you can expect to be attacked or punished too. I know because I've been there myself. If you're desperate for rewards, I don't recommend being altruistic. Your question suggests that maybe it isn't for you. That's ok. I can't say I'm thrilled with it either. It certainly is not something sustainable because you eventually starve to death or people kill you. The greedy can't stand altruism lest their malice be shown for what it is.
2006-12-27 05:29:36 · answer #5 · answered by Cheshire Cat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Altruism is when "you put yourself in others shoes", and feel (most of the time) compassion for them.
That's what Jesus felt for humans when came to earth.
I try to be altruistic because that helps me to understand other peoples situation.
2006-12-27 05:41:28 · answer #6 · answered by Annie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think we all have altruism inside of us. When you do a favor for a stranger, who you don't know, and you expect no reward for, that's altruism. I also believe we all have the capacity for selfishness.
2006-12-27 05:10:36 · answer #7 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What if you get off on the feeling you get from helping others? Is that still altruism?
2006-12-27 05:16:08 · answer #8 · answered by mutterhalls 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
IT MEANS TO HELP PEOPLE WITHOUT WANTING IN RETURN and yes me.
2006-12-27 05:13:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry I have no idea what your talking about.
2006-12-27 05:10:26 · answer #10 · answered by Singingmama 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋