Is there really such a thing as a "selfless" act?

Answer 1

If you want a simple answer then that answer is – no, there isn’t any, as to be human to be self-conscious at various level of awareness. There is purpose innate to human nature that makes it distinctive among the purposes of all things in the general nature. A tree has a purpose to grown, to flower and to spread its seeds; a stone has a purpose just to be; and the purpose of human nature is not just to be, but to be in the best possible that it could, and also to develop to its fullest capacities, beyond its all know abilities.

This then is absolutely true that all human actions are assertions of human interests, or the purposes innate to human nature. Any consideration of the reasons for human action beyond the validity or recognition of human nature will lead up to complete nonsense.

Whatever we do, see or think is tied to this essential fact. What, for instance, is a flower plant in the world for us other that a weed if it has no natural purpose of its own that coincides with our purpose? What is a flower in human eye if not for its aesthetic qualities pleasing and therefore reassuring to the nature of human mind?

Human nature is integrated into a distinctive form as human beings for a reason that determines and ensures that all human actions are profitable even when there are most charitable in nature. From a human standpoint, there is no goodness outside or alien to human mind. The source of the very concept of goodness, and consequently good, charitable, self-less or voluntary actions are all innate to the mind.

Answer 2

Many people say that we act from ultimately selfish motives for some gain for the self - even apparently selfless motives, according to that, are done for some gain for the self.


But I disagree.


For example, there are true acts of charity in which one does something for another, simply because the other needs help, not to get something in return - such is an act of self-transcendence.

Any honouring of justice is a selfless act because in that, one deals justly, even though it may be of apparent advantage to the self not to do so - one is just, simply because it is the right thing to do - if true justice did not exist, we would have nothing but everyone trying to rip-off or defraud other people if they could get away with it, but obviously everyone is not like this (although many people are), but many people still act with integrity.


A disbelief in selfless acts is based upon a materialistic view of the universe - this is because with such a view, it is considered that there are only individual material facts and their appetites - justice and charity require factors that transcend the material order of things.




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Answer 3

Possibly not.
I help folks out without expectation of reward now & then
I did vave it pinned to my decent social conduct, but this morning, I assisted and elderly bad-sighted lady across the high street, and carried her shopping.
At first I thought, I am just helping someone out.
Then I realise that perhaps, as it made me feel a better person, there was some payback.

So I do charitable deeds, but having your photo taken for the local press with one of those big presentation cheque things is partially an act of self-promotion.

I took my mate on holiday to the USA once, as I just thought it a nice thing to do after he lost a leg in a road accident.
Now I see that actually I could of been seeking for good company, a drinking partner, and close "buddy" relations.

Do we ever do a "selfless" act ?
I have doubts.
A goodly question, which I answer freely and at will.
But in hope that it is appreciated !

I can't win.

Bob

Answer 4

I don't think so, people do selfless acts to make themselves look or feel good, hence it not being a selfless act at all. Although, if everyone always done selfless acts, the world may be a happier place.

Answer 5

Suppose people do some things that don't give them immediate financial or emotional benefit.

Usually the things that people do that aren't selfish (ie selfless) are generally what society has conditioned them to do though - go to war for country, save lives etc. I tend to think people do these things more out of a sense of pressure - ie they would feel bad not doing it - rather than feeling good for doing so.

OFten people do 'selfless' things in this life because they think it means they will 'earn' rewards and thereby get a better life for themselves in heaven.

Other people appear to do selfless things to make themselves 'holier than though' to make other people feel bad so they can manipulate them more easily.

People who generally do selfless things - ie are prepared to put their own comfort and self interest second to someone elses - are liable to be abused and unappreciated by others.

Answer 6

There is such a thing but no individual is capable of performing a selfless act. I suppose a thoughtless act could be selfless, but that would just be a coincidence.

Answer 7

Yes, their is such thing as Selfless Act. When you give up your happiness and comfort so that others maybe happy and have comfort in them.

Answer 8

Okay, by saying this i'm not trying to be offensive in anyway. Most white people that try to be black are usually called "wiggers" or "wanksters". But honestly i've never heard of your situation though. Maybe your just a more down to earth person and doesn't like to get into drama. Theres nothing wrong with being unique!

Answer 9

I would imagine a selfless act as sacrificing your life to save someone else's. Everything else would be done for a gain of happiness, satisfactory in 'doing right' and sometimes just to milk it!! :) My opinion.

Answer 10

Yes there are a some true selfless acts. One of them would be when a pregant mother gives birth knowing full well she would die. Another very great example would be our Armed Forces, they join and fight knowing they might not come home to their families. Another selfless act might be when a man jumps infront of a bullet for the woman he loves.