Altruism

My logic tells me that altruism is an illusion. Even if you do something that appears to give you no benefit, you will still get some sort of satisfaction out of benefiting another person (i.e. you're fulfilling a previously made obligation to help, you feel more virtuous by doing a "selfless" act, you're happier because you aren't around someone who is upset about the thing you helped with, you feel you've increased your good karma, etc. [your particular benefit depends on both the situation and your personality]). That's not to say that acts we so often label as selfless are selfish; they're just more complex than many people's polar views of them. So my mind cannot see a situation that is truly altruistic, but my heart likes to think that there is nothing wrong with trying to be selfless, even if it is not humanly possible to succeed in that respect 100%.

What do you guys think? Do you believe true altruism exists?

Originally Posted by sunshine

My logic tells me that altruism is an illusion. Even if you do something that appears to give you no benefit, you will still get some sort of satisfaction out of benefiting another person (i.e. you're fulfilling a previously made obligation to help, you feel more virtuous by doing a "selfless" act, you're happier because you aren't around someone who is upset about the thing you helped with, you feel you've increased your good karma, etc. [your particular benefit depends on both the situation and your personality]). That's not to say that acts we so often label as selfless are selfish; they're just more complex than many people's polar views of them. So my mind cannot see a situation that is truly altruistic, but my heart likes to think that there is nothing wrong with trying to be selfless, even if it is not humanly possible to succeed in that respect 100%.

What do you guys think? Do you believe true altruism exists?

ESFJ like to benefit their friends (Perseus theory). So people may try to ingratiate themselves to receive the benefits? This is NOT altruism. I am not sure that ESTJs understand altruism ???

Maybe this is transaction theory. But what if it doesn't FEEL right?

Perseus theory (still under research) says that the following types are the most altruistic: ENFJ, INFJ, less so or perhaps more so: ENTJ, INTJ.

Keirsey says Altruism is a NF trait:

The Sore Dragon: Orientation

yes i think it exists. maybe it's rare, but it exists.

Even if it isn't possible for us to be truly altruistic, it is a worthwhile goal. Our righteousness is like filthy rags, but our desire/ attempt to do good, even when we can only achieve the goal imperfectly, is not without positive spiritual value.

Perseus, I must say, you have a very unique way of speaking (typing)! :) And I like that chart; I'm bookmarking it right away...

Originally Posted by Peace-3PO

yes i think it exists. maybe it's rare, but it exists.

Alright, but how?

Originally Posted by snail

Even if it isn't possible for us to be truly altruistic, it is a worthwhile goal. Our righteousness is like filthy rags, but our desire/ attempt to do good, even when we can only achieve the goal imperfectly, is not without positive spiritual value.

Very well put! :)

hmm, well, i'm not really into the philosophical debate over it, but it does bother me this idea that there's no such thing as non-selfish action. i think it simply boils down to honest caring, then you automatically see and do what needs to be done in a situation. or the religious idea of your left hand not knowing what your right hand is doing. you don't think about it, you just do it. and then you don't think about it after that either, you just go about your day.

but that's the key i think, truly caring in your heart. then you see and do with no thought about it.

I would say that when your actions are purely motivated by the happiness of the other one, that being the thing where you derive pleasure from, then you have altruism. You're not looking to be more virtuous, to keep the person in your life or to have an increased capacity in his eyes. The only thing you care, within the context of the situation, is his happiness.

I definitely believe that altruism exists.

"I make this sacrifice for the greater good."

Originally Posted by Ungweliante

I would say that when your actions are purely motivated by the happiness of the other one, that being the thing where you derive pleasure from, then you have altruism. You're not looking to be more virtuous, to keep the person in your life or to have an increased capacity in his eyes. The only thing you care, within the context of the situation, is his happiness.

I definitely believe that altruism exists.

My heart tells me that you're right. My logic tells me there must be some flaw in it, but I'm a very strong F, so I'm inclined to go against my head and agree with you. *nods*