altruism

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what is your definition of altruism?

is anyone really capable of it?

i think altruism is the act of giving to another what they have without expectation.

is it possible to live without expectation?

to be completely selfless=altruistic?

define your terms.

My connotation of altruism is close to a martyr, only without the stereotypical violence associated with martyrdom. You just give, and give, and give, until…your…last…breath. Maybe people are capable of it.

I believe altruism can be achieved, but only with a lot of hard work, usually spiritual inner work, and dedication. I suppose I would describe Mother Theresa as altruistic. I used to be fairly altruistic but always ended up resenting that my giving was usually taken advantage of and I suppose, when one says 'taken advantage of', they mean that nothing was given in return. For me, that would usually mean I was not even given friendship or kindness of any sort in return. Apart from as a child and especially over the last 5 years, getting material things from others has not really been of much importance.

Sure. Read my blog.

I used to be VERY altruistic! I helped people move, visited people(even STRANGERS), loaned money, did work, taught. ALL without even WANTING remuneration! When others don't even seem to really appreciate it, altruism is likely to fade away as it did with me. It is almost like the turkeys I delivered to the poor. Instead of being appreciative as a hand up to get out of the mire, they saw it as an expected delivery of food(like a pizza), and sunk even deeper. I was there to be part of the solution, NOT an aid to the problem.

Steve

I don't think anyone could or should be altruistic all the time, for all the people. But choosing to be altruistic for a specific instance is possible. And then, for many specific instances, often.

No strings attached - it's the same idea (I think) behind a burnt offering. The idea of giving in a way that nothing remains with the giver.

Martyrdom is a trap, I agree. So is giving what you yourself really want.

possible but rare nowadays