Define altruism in your own words, do you think many people today are altruistic, and why?

Question

I am curious as to what other people define altruism as. To me, it is a regard to and intent to better the human race, or at least our sphere of it, by being ourselves good people. I understand that nobody is perfect, and that we all must at times help ourself first, simply for survival's sake. But, I am curious as to how other people view altruism, and if they believe that being so has any reward in today's time, or if altruists are simply tools for personal gain.

Answer 1

Genuine altruism is to place another's needs before your own without regard for any "return" on your actions.

Answer 2

To be honest, I think the whole concept of altruism is nothing more than self-delusion. We all have our own selfish reasons for doing what we do, whether we are consciously aware of them or not. Even the parent who risk life and limb for a child is doing so for biological reasons. Volunteers do what they do because it makes them feel good, etc.