In the usual sense for us, altruism is unselfish help to others. In the general sense, it is considered a positive, respectable quality. But self-sacrifice sometimes takes extreme forms. For example, in caring for others, a person completely forgets about himself or acts defiantly, solely for his own authority. Where is the fine line between altruism and egoism? What motivates people to act for the benefit of others? What are the types of altruism?
In the article we will tell: the evolution of the concept why goodness should be done consciously, what is the difference between volunteering and charity.
What is altruism?
Altruism is a group of emotions that motivates a person to do things that are useful to others, but unfavorable to him. Accordingly, altruists call people who are ready to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of their relatives, people around them or society. A short designation of the concept is considered to be the installation "live for others". Within the framework of the theory of evolution, there is the concept of" mutually beneficial altruism. "Its components: empathy, compassion, generosity are necessary conditions for the survival of society.
Altruistic behavior is not only human. Animals or insects are also able to selflessly serve their community. For example, the social insects of bees or ants act daily for the common good and sacrifice themselves in times of danger. Another example of animal sacrifice is gophers. When an eagle or a fox approaches a flock of rodents, the first gopher who discovered the danger makes special sounds. He does not run away, sacrifices himself to save his family.
But there is a big difference in the selfless service of man and other sentient beings. Ants or gophers sacrifice themselves solely for the sake of "their". Human sacrifice extends far beyond the "inner circle".
The evolution of altruism
Although the term itself is relatively young, its meaning is related to other concepts: love of neighbor, mercy. The problem of finding virtues occupied people in pre-Christian times. The first ideas of the phenomenon are described in the time of Aristotle. Roman poet and statesman Seneca He called deeds for the benefit of others a boon. Seneca also divided the beneficence into three categories: necessary, useful, pleasant.
The term "altruism" as a separate definition was first introduced by the French philosopher and sociologist. Auguste Comte (1798-1857). Although altruism and egoism are two antonym words, according to Comte's theory, these are complementary, but not mutually exclusive, properties of human nature. These two concepts constantly compete with each other, altruism only subordinates, but never defeats egoism. Under the guise of disinterested service, the philosopher united three concepts: loyalty, reverence, kindness. A synonym for the concept considered compassion, pity.
Later Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) supplemented the description of the term with other synonyms: justice, generosity, generosity. In addition to love and charity, Spencer considered active political struggle for the interests of others and missionary activity to be altruistic. Charles Darwin (1809-1882) associated altruism with self-sacrifice, but considered it a life-threatening occupation. Darwin’s death was the logical conclusion of altruistic or noble human behavior.
Later, philosophers and sociologists added several types of behavior to the concept:
- Helping the helpless, which is manifested in sympathy, the desire to take care of, comfort, care.
- Help in times of danger.
- Distribution of food, tools.
- Help or improve the lives of the sick, old people, children.
Altruism in religion
In the Christian dictionary, altruism is a moral principle, according to which the welfare of other people is considered more significant than one’s own self. Altruistic behavior is due to love for one’s neighbor, and not just doing one’s duty. In Christianity, altruists are often called saints. For example, you can recall the description of the life and actions of the protector of the children of St. Nicholas or the patron saint of all St. Valentine lovers.
Limitless altruism is the basis of Buddhist teachings. This definition is always emphasized in his speeches by the spiritual leader of the followers of Buddhism, Dalai Lama XIV. And the altruistic attitude is important to manifest at the global and family level. The main indicator of a merciful attitude towards others Dalai Lama XIV considers a smile. If the smile is sincere, it comes from compassion, it calms you and others around you.
In Islam, an altruistic appeal is perceived as an incentive for self-sacrifice, endless patience, kindness, care. Islam does not invalidate the desire to take care of itself. To help others (morally, emotionally, financially), you need to take into account your own capabilities and needs. After all, helping others without caring for oneself does not always end safely.
Types of Altruism
Sociologists distinguish between heroic and everyday altruism. Heroic manifestation during wars, natural disasters or in emergency situations. The stories of heroes who save strangers from robbers or take children out of the fires, get into the newspapers and remain on hearing. But there is less dramatic household altruism, when kindness is manifested daily, in small deeds.
There are several options for everyday altruism:
- Parental. The most understandable and obvious form of self-sacrifice, typical of most sentient beings.
- Mutual. It manifests itself in old friends or lovers who care about each other in the confidence that they will be helped in exactly the same way.
- Moral. A person just kicks at the sight of other people's happiness. The best example of working for the benefit of others is volunteering.
- Demonstrative. An example of such charity are philanthropic billionaires who donate money to hospitals or schools in front of cameras.
- Compassionate. This is a manifestation of empathy, when a person mentally puts himself in the place of the needy and understands the bitterness of his position.
- Situational. This self-sacrifice in a special psychological state under the influence of religious preaching, imitating the behavior of other people.
- Compensatory. Even Sigmund Freud, in his works, described altruism as a compensation for feelings of guilt, when a person compensates for his anxiety with sacrificial behavior.
Global altruism
Philanthropy and charity
Charity was considered the oldest form of charity, but today philanthropy has become a huge industry. Modern philanthropists Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah Winfrey changed the nature of charity. New philanthropists do not seek to buy yachts or sports clubs. They want to see their names on the facades of schools, hospitals, museums, research centers. For charity are awarded humanitarian prizes. For example, in 2012, Oprah Winfrey received the Gene Hersholt award for her humanitarian and charitable activities.
Many people help financially and organize charitable foundations throughout the country, city, region. They raise money for new equipment for the medical center, acquaint others with the needs of a nursing home, or organize hospices. Such people call themselves not philanthropists, but "social activists."
Effective Altruism
Effective altruism is a young social movement that includes young, socially active people. Followers of the movement do not give their money, but spend their strength, knowledge and time, looking for the most effective ways to make the world a better place. They are more pragmatic than dreamers. The philosophy of the movement is: we use evidence and reasoning in the search for the most effective ways to make the world a better place. The main assistance is directed to organizations that help residents of the poorest, dysfunctional countries.
Communities of effective altruists today are in most universities in the world. They are engaged in volunteer work, donation, the fight against global poverty. Also help students find professions that bring the greatest benefit to the world. Followers of the movement say that effective kindness helps to improve the lives of other people, filling their own lives with meaning.
Volunteer work
The work of a volunteer is deliberate and regular help to people without remuneration. Caring for each other makes it possible to survive in times of war, after natural disasters, during illness or in need. They come to volunteering for various reasons: at the call of the soul, in order to forget after a heavy loss, from the desire to simply help people. There are several areas of volunteering: social, sports, cultural, environmental, donor, event. You can engage in activities at home or move to another country.
First place in the number of volunteers is the United Nations. Volunteering at the UN is an opportunity to promote the ideas of peace and development in more than 150 countries. Many use volunteer work to improve language practice and find friends. In addition, volunteering at the UN is a great start for career development, because employers value self-help skills and thinking outside the box.
5 facts about altruism
Neurobiologists have established that the need for selfless deeds, help, empathy, is incorporated in us genetically. There is a method of magnetic stimulation of the cerebral cortex, after which the egoistic impulses are blocked, changing the behavior of a person. But to what extent you need to mute selfish thoughts is not yet clear. While the magnetic equipment is at the stage of improvement, it is possible to find out how philosophers, sociologists and psychologists are deciphering the readiness for disinterested help.
- Helping others is great if it is done consciously. Selfless help to others improves your physical and emotional state here and now. But the expectation of instant benefit reduces the pleasure of what has been done. Selfless help is daily work and the most difficult practice.
- Long term investment. Altruistic behavior has a cumulative effect and is best described by the phrase "do good to others and return to you a hundredfold." We ate to say otherwise - this is the boomerang law, according to which good, good deeds are returned to us.
- You can donate not only money. Speaking of donations, we often mean money or things. But true self-sacrifice implies "internal costs": suppression of pride, overcoming disgust, the ability to manage your emotions
- Excessive altruism is bad. Excessive dedication leads to sad consequences. Taking care of others without taking care of yourself can cause emotional burnout, resentment, and lower mood. And the surrounding people relax and begin to treat the person who cares about them.
- Help yourself. According to statistics, participants in voluntary actions are less susceptible to bad mood and depression. Instead of our help, we get the meaning of life, personal growth, we fill life with new emotions and sensations.
findings
- Altruism is when you do something for another, without your own benefit.
- Sociologists call self-sacrifice an essential element of social behavior. Without sacrifice, willingness to help others, the survival of society is impossible.
- In the relationship between altruism and egoism, a reasonable balance is important, helping to preserve itself and build relationships with others.
- Help others can not only finance. You can spend your time, knowledge.
- The UN is the largest volunteer organization with which nearly a billion volunteers collaborate.
