I Am a Curious Person

I believe altruism is meaningless .
People generally do not want to share .
The few who do are exploited by the population .
So what's the point in sharing ?
We can't expect others to do the same thing.

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TheGreatLeveler

The problem of apparent altruism is that most people have selfish motives. To them, the point of sharing is to receive something in return. This could be anything as simple as a sign of appreciation, respect or perhaps even friendship. I'm unsure if there's such a thing as true altruism. It tends to be the opposite of another theory; psychological egoism.

FebruaryAsh

I don't think so in the truest sense of the word, but definitely in a practical sense, yes. Some people just enjoy helping others without expecting much or anything from them in return.

TheGreatLeveler

There usually is a selfish motive underneath, even if unaware of. Think of it as the expectation of reciprocation, the desire to gain respect or increasing your social status. There is a psychological study linking one's happiness to doing good, which indicates self-interest as a motivator.

FebruaryAsh

Could be, but also, that still can't be a bad thing, since by your argument, people are selfish 24/7.

nautilusX · 31-35, M

But what of the Buddhist altruism. I don't find any expectation of reciprocation there. In many philosophies its the norm to be altruistic irrespective of rewards.

nautilusX · 31-35, M

Maybe it is . When egoism dies another realm of consciousness opens up.