Is altruism dumb?

Question

In many cases it leads to injury or death. Why should this be a human trait that is rewarded? Or is it a way to make sure that those with the best interest of the species survive? What's your opinion?

For those who asked, there are many, many stories of 3 and 4 people dying trying to save one person. Or how about the 1,000's who go to war when they are not directly threatened? These are cases where altruism has killed someone with no direct benefit to themselves.

Given the above explainations, I ask again: Is this dumb behavior or the best of humanity?

Answer 1

Altruism is selfless concern for the welfare of others. 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 (for example, a God, a king), a specific organization (for example, a government), or an abstract concept (for example, 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


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altruism

With that being said I think most ideas taken to far can cause a lot of damage or, produce negative effects. I believe everyone practices altruism, but is unwilling (and rightly so) to practice pure altruism. This is something only god can do.

So to answer your question, No! It is not dumb

Answer 2

How does it lead to injury or death in many cases?

I personally like altruism (a selfless concern for the welfare of others). I think that this world needs more altruistic people. I do not mean that I think that there should be more welfare, but I think that people should try to find ways to help out others. I think it is noble when someone spends their life finding a way to help out a group of people. (finding a cure to a disease, teaching kids in an impoverished area, funding a local hospital). If more people dedicated to doing even something small then I think the world would be a better place.

You haven given a few examples of where people trying to be altruistic have been killed or injured, however those are the minority of the instances. I would say less than 1%. I would not categorize that as many cases. It would be more like a few cases. It would depend on what your altruistic action was. Running into a burning building to save someone does carry risks. Developing a way to clean water so you can help out people has less risks. Donating to charity has killed very few people and the injuries are also supprisingly few in number.

Your argument that altruism is too dangerous to engage in if you want the human species to survive. However, what you mean to say that altruism is too dangerous to engage in if you want the human instance to survive. If you care for only your own hide then being altruistic works against your goal. If you actually care for the species then being altruistic works with your goal. Caring for the species means that you are wanting to ensure the existence of mankind. To do that you need to eliminate war and reduce poverty by as much as you can. These are the things that will destroy humans. Being altruistic and helping someone out when you can brings people together. Doctors Without Borders is a wonderful example of this. People who receive their care can learn that there are people out there who do not want to abuse them.

I guess if you really want people to understand your argument, you should explain to us how not being altruistic will be helping mankind and not just helping the individual.

Answer 3

Altruism is an inbuilt trait in some human beings and also some other species(like ants ) for the survival of the species.

Answer 4

It depends on the frame of references. If you become pure because of your altruism and it is contradict with you wish to be reach, your behavior is dumb. But, in general, it is not proven that it is dumb to be pure or to die. By the way, I never saw a person which came to injury or death because of altruism.

Answer 5

Altruism is more care for others than for oneself. How could that be seen as dumb? Unfortunately in this day, people tend to take advantage of one's generosity and in return people are less likely to be giving towards others.
If anything the altruistic person cares more for their surroundings and environment than for the average 'selfish' person. In order for a society to prevail, one needs to look past their own desires and needs and aim more for their community and environment.
As we are entering 'Black History Month', I think of George Washington Carver. This man could had made a fortune out of his inventions. Yet he decided to give his ideas to his fellow man. That is altruism. He saved the lives of many poor people and will be remembered for it. Whereas how does history portray those with act solely for greed?
I'm not saying for a person to completely neglect his own needs for the sake of others, but that if a person has surplus or has a skill that he can assist his neighbor or environment, then he should give of his time and talent.

Answer 6

Altruism does not exist.

Answer 7

Yes, it's the destruction of the self. Read the works of Ayn Rand, particularly "Atlas Shrugged".

Answer 8

Do you know what altruism is?
Spoofs aren't fun when people need help.

Answer 9

No, it's cool if not taken to extreme.

Answer 10

what the crap is altruism