Altruism is not a very common phenomenon these days. Altruists delight some, surprise others, and cause suspicion among others. What character traits do these people have, is it easy to become an altruist, what theories of altruism exist, and is such a character trait really necessary? Let's look at all these questions in more detail in our article.
Altruism: what is it?
Under altruism
imply a principle of behavior in which a person performs good deeds, selflessly caring for the well-being of other people.
Essentially, the principle of altruism is to “live for the sake of others.” The term was first used by the founder of sociological science, Auguste Comte. By the concept, he meant the selfless motives of an individual, leading to actions that benefit only other people.
Psychologists have put forward an oppositional opinion to Comte's definition. According to their findings, in the long term, altruism provides more benefits than the effort expended on it. It was also concluded that altruists to some extent perform good actions with a degree of selfishness. Allegedly, a person gets special pleasure from the fact that people in whose affairs he took a significant part achieve success.
At the same time, egoism is still considered as the opposite of altruism. With selfishness, a person puts the satisfaction of his own interests first, elevating this to a life position.
Usually altruism manifests itself in caring, acts of mercy, self-denial for the sake of someone. It is important that in this case, healthy egoism is inherent in the individual, albeit to a lesser extent, giving primacy to good intentions.
Altruism can be mixed with various social experiences, such as sympathy, sympathy, goodwill and others. Altruistic actions that extend beyond the boundaries of friendship, family, and neighbors are called philanthropy, and people who are distinguished by such impulses towards those who are outside their acquaintance are called philanthropists.
Psychologists believe that gender also matters in altruism. Men are characterized by short-term impulses towards good deeds (helping to push a car, pulling a drowning person out of sea water, etc.). Women tend to take long-term actions (giving up a career to care for a sick relative). Vivid examples of altruism can be seen in volunteering, donation, and mentoring.
The main character traits of an altruist
Altruists usually have a very calm and gentle character.
It is difficult to imagine a hot-tempered and harsh person who is able to put the interests of other people above his own. Altruists also have innate modesty and do not like to talk a lot about themselves; they prefer to listen.
Altruists have a genuine interest in other people. They rejoice at other people's successes and are sad at other people's failures. They do not know what envy and self-interest are. In a word, they are absolute lovers of humanity.
Altruists can often be found in various charitable organizations. Since they are philanthropists, they take special care for the disadvantaged and needy people.
An altruist will give his last penny if he sees a beggar on the street asking for alms. At the same time, they experience enormous remorse if they still do not find an opportunity to help the disadvantaged.
Altruists are very honest people. They always keep their promises and do not waste their words. You shouldn’t expect betrayal and deception from such people.
Theories of altruism
Sociologists and psychologists have long been studying the motives of behavior of altruists, having come up with interesting theories:
Social
From a sociological point of view, several main theories of altruism can be distinguished: evolutionary, social exchange, social norms. They complement each other, and individually do not provide a complete understanding of why individuals are willing to provide help to others free of charge.
The theory of social exchange is based on the concept of deep egoism. Adherents of the theory believe that subconsciously a person who takes a selfless step first calculates his own benefit.
According to the theory of social norms, altruism is considered as a social responsibility. This means that altruistic deeds are an element of natural social norms inherent in society.
According to evolutionary theory, altruism is a part of development that helps in preserving the gene pool and is the driving force of evolution.
It is not easy to determine all the facets of this concept, taking into account only social research. It is also important to remember the so-called “spiritual” components of any individual.
Psychological
According to the theory of psychologists, the basis of altruistic behavior is the reluctance to observe the torment and experiences of other individuals. This feeling may be present at the subconscious level.
Another popular theory is that altruism is a consequence of guilt, and by doing good deeds a person tries to atone for guilt.
Is it profitable to be an altruist: positive and negative side
At first glance, it seems obvious that altruism is beneficial for society, but extremely disadvantageous for the person as a whole. But this is a fundamentally wrong concept. Altruism is truly unprofitable if it is unhealthy behavior that deprives a person of sleep, money for living, and entails emotional burnout and the loss of loved ones. It’s another matter if a person is an altruist, but at the same time controls his urges to self-sacrifice and is aware of his actions.
So, if a person consciously engages in altruism, then the positive aspects can be highlighted:
- Emotional satisfaction and a sense of self-realization in social life;
- Feeling like some kind of hero, a positive character who brings good to people;
- Pleasant fatigue and the understanding that the day will not be lived in vain after helping others;
- Understanding that the world is not a warlike clot of energy, but a substance of good and evil. And the more good a person gives into the world, the greater the chance of receiving the same amount of good in his time;
- No feeling of hopelessness. After all, if you help the homeless, and others help the homeless, it means that the chances of dying of hunger in a bad situation are extremely small - after all, there are good people in the world!
Subbotnik is a type of healthy altruism
- A sense of community, unity, a sense of family comes only after you become an altruist for your loved ones;
- Inspiration and additional life resources . A person is designed in such a way that he gets fed up with everything and gets “tired” of life by about the age of 30-40. Altruism provides the very purpose in life that allows you to feel important and receive positive emotions for many years;
- Understanding that after your death a piece of you will remain in the world. They will remember you, they will thank you. It is for this purpose that many shelters, houses for the poor, etc. are built.
The negative aspects of altruism include the following:
- Infusion of resources into altruism. It could be money, time, emotions. If you distribute your capabilities incorrectly, you yourself may find yourself in a difficult situation when trying to help others;
- Being an emotionally immature person who does not know how to set boundaries and say “no” can lead to a lot of problems . From house occupants (both humans and animals) to burnout and bankruptcy;
- Resentments from loved ones and conflicts with relatives. Not all people understand altruists, and if there are more selfish people around you, then conflicts may arise on the topic: “How could you take money to a shelter for homeless cats when we need a good gift for grandma” or “Why help homeless alcoholics if it’s better save money and take the family to the sea.”
Idealistic altruism is heroism that has been remembered for centuries, but a person sacrifices health and life for the benefit of others. For example, a soldier threw himself onto an exploding mine to protect his comrades from certain death. Or the driver of the car turns the steering wheel towards a river or a pole so as not to run into a child, person or animal running onto the road. On the one hand, such people sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others. On the other hand, they deprive themselves of life, and their relatives’ happiness, for the benefit of others.
Types of altruism
There are several types of altruism.
Mutual
Social behavior in which people engage in some degree of self-sacrifice, but only if they expect reciprocity. The concept was introduced by sociobiologist Robert Trivers. If you do not take into account the scientific designations, it simply means mutual assistance. Good examples of community spirit are churches, small schools, student dormitories, and so on. This type of altruism is based on the norm of reciprocity and is a universal principle of social interaction.
Demonstrative
Based on social norms. Showing selfless compassion towards others, such an altruist is afraid on a subconscious level of going against the rules of decency. Example: on a bus, give way to a mother and baby, help an old man cross the road, and so on.
Compensatory
In his writings, Sigmund Freud identified the tendency towards altruism with compensation for feelings of guilt. The individual tries to compensate for his anxiety with virtue towards others.
Moral
Almost every person has his own “internal censor” and here he plays an important role. Inner conviction dictates to a person that everyone would do the same in his place. Altruism is built on the reluctance to experience guilt or upset peace of mind.
Rational
A person seeks harmony between his own and other people's needs. Altruistic actions are not sudden impulses - in this case they are carefully thought out. With this type of altruism, the individual does not act to harm himself or anyone else.
Parental
Such altruists are ready to sacrifice in relation to their child. They do not think about possible benefits in the future, and are simply ready to give their best. Parents exposed to this type of altruism take into account the child’s personal desires, rather than trying to realize their own ambitions. The basis is selflessness, and in the future the mother will not tell her grown-up child that she spent her best years on him without receiving gratitude.
Situational
An individual makes self-sacrifice, falling under psychological influence (a religious sermon, a reproach from a loved one, someone’s tearful request, and so on) or imitating another person. In the absence of these factors, it is likely that the act of altruism is not committed - it may not even occur to the person.
Social
An altruist helps people from his close circle (friends, relatives, colleagues, etc.) free of charge. This type of altruism can be called a social mechanism - it is an impetus for comfortable and trusting relationships in the group. It is worth taking into account that assistance provided for the purpose of subsequent manipulation will also be incorrectly called altruism.
Sympathetic (empathetic)
The main basis of compassion is kindness and one’s own motivations. It is more common in family relationships, as well as in relationships between friends and lovers. A person feels the need to help, driven by love and a feeling of affection.
Moral
The motive for such altruism is sincere satisfaction in the knowledge that self-sacrifice brings clear benefit to the needy. An example would be volunteering and mentoring.
Normative
According to the moral imperative of I. Kant, this or that understanding of morality can be designated as conscience, and it is precisely this that underlies this type of altruism. A person decides to make sacrifices not because of personal benefits and aspirations, but because he does not want to go against his conscience. Another form of altruism is its conceptualization within the framework of justice or justice. This is especially common in Western countries, where a citizen strives to achieve truth and its triumph in the world, sharply speaking out against injustice in society.
How did the term come about?
The moral principle, which implies meaningful help to others to the detriment of oneself, was described in ancient philosophy. But the French philosopher Auguste Comte finally formulated it and coined the term for it at the beginning of the 19th century. He understood altruism as a person’s desire to live for the sake of others. He also highlighted instinctive altruism, dictated by nature, and social altruism, which is formed in a person in the process of upbringing.
It is interesting that Comte contrasted altruism and the Christian principle of self-sacrifice, since the latter is based on the desire of a believer for his own salvation, therefore, motivated by selfishness.
One of the ancient thinkers who promoted similar ideas was Socrates. He believed that the ability to “give and not take” is one of the most important indicators of a person’s morality, demonstrating strength of spirit.
Who is an altruist person (an altruistic person)
Altruist
- this is a person who is not guided by possible benefits when engaging in sacrificial acts towards others. Gratuitousness is quite natural for him: when doing a good deed, he does not think about the fact that he will be rewarded with good in return.
Other Traits of an Altruist
:
- Priority
. An altruist puts his own interests in the background, putting the needs of someone else first, without feeling any discomfort because of this. - Responsibility
. Fully aware of his own actions, the individual understands that he must bear responsibility for them.
- freedom of choice
. Altruism does not include cases when help comes under pressure or on demand. The altruist himself expresses a desire to take part in the matter; we are talking exclusively about his personal choice.
- Satisfaction
. Having helped someone, a true altruist does not regret wasting his personal time. By giving up his own desires and needs in order to help another, he feels satisfaction and does not consider himself used or disadvantaged.
- Sacrifice
. An altruist undoubtedly spends personal time, makes physical or moral efforts to help others. Material resources can also be used.
Often, altruistic actions help to reveal hidden personal potential. By providing support to those in need, the altruist simultaneously provides a kind of service to himself, becoming more confident and feeling empowered. The weaker ones usually need help, and on a subconscious level the altruist is satisfied with his position of “strong”.
Research shows that performing altruistic acts also helps a person feel happier. Psychologists have identified several main character traits of an altruist: generosity, nobility, sacrifice, philanthropy, selflessness, mercy, kindness. These characteristics have one thing in common - their focus is “from oneself.” Simply put, an altruist is a person who is more willing to give than to take.
True selflessness
True altruism has two important principles - selflessness and spiritual satisfaction from a good deed.
Let's consider this situation. A man on crutches walks next to you and drops his glasses. What will you do? I'm sure you'll pick them up and give them to him without the thought that he should do anything good for you in return. But imagine that he silently takes his glasses and, without saying a word of gratitude, turns around and leaves. How will you feel? That you were not appreciated and all people are ungrateful? If this is so, then there is no smell of true altruism. But if, no matter what, this act makes your soul warm, then this is sincere altruism, and not a manifestation of banal politeness.
A true altruist does not seek material gain (fame, honor, respect), his goal is much higher. By providing selfless help to others, our soul becomes purer and brighter, and accordingly the whole world becomes a little better, because everything in it is interconnected.
And in its highest manifestation, true altruism is serving God, and serving other living beings, through the prism of understanding that they are parts of the Lord, without expecting anything in return.
In order for selfish, selfish people not to “sit on the head” of an altruist, it is necessary to develop awareness in oneself. Then you will be able to distinguish between those who really need help from those who are just trying to take advantage of you.
Altruism: pros and cons
The evolution of the planet will be impossible without altruism, but, unfortunately, this trait can also have negative characteristics.
First, let's look at the positive aspects for the altruist himself and the world around him
:
- There is more safety and kindness in the world.
- An altruist lives in accordance with his conscience.
- Helping others fills a person with positive emotions.
- People's consciousness changes for the better when they witness altruistic actions.
- Evolution of society.
However, in some cases there are also shadow sides of self-sacrifice, let’s consider them
:
- An altruist gets used to devaluing his own interests and sometimes infringes on himself and his family in order to help people who do not really need it. Self-sacrifice does more harm than good.
- The altruist forgets about his own responsibilities, chasing after things in which his participation can help.
- Being carried away by altruism, a person can take an action that in reality is beyond his power, thereby aggravating the situation or even losing his life.
Let's sum it up
Although man is a rational being, capable of great discoveries, scientific and technical achievements, he will never be able to know himself, his psychology, ideology of thinking, worldview. Perhaps this is why scientists have not agreed on the reasons for the manifestation of altruistic motives in people.
Altruism and egoism cannot be compared. There is no point in instilling in the younger generation the moral attitude of “acting for the benefit of others in any situation.” A person is not a robot that can be reconfigured to suit his needs. He, like any other representative of the living world, obeys all the laws of nature. Yes, altruism helps preserve the race, unites society, and provides positive moral principles. But let’s not forget that the main tool for survival in the harsh dictatorship of nature is selfishness.
How to develop this quality in yourself
If you want to become an altruist, act like an altruist
:
- Help others more often, seeing that you can do it
. Start with small things. We can talk not only about individuals in your close circle, but also about strangers. A true altruist does not separate people who can be helped on the basis of family ties or personal sympathy. - Don't expect gratitude or favors in return
. Philosophers say that a true altruist feels joy and satisfaction in providing useful services to others. He does not expect praise, personal gain, or commensurate feedback. - Be humane and merciful, do not make harsh conclusions about others, look for dignity in them
. An altruist does not have to be a deeply religious person, but he loves people and values life. Mercy can well be called one of the most important facets of altruism. - Generosity is an important quality of an altruist; he cannot be greedy
. Have you noticed your tightness? Try to get rid of it. This includes not only material resources, but also personal time and participation in other people’s lives. Give people your attention. - Pass on your knowledge, because this is one of the most important manifestations of altruism
. Information is very important to the world, and people who pass on their experience to those who need it bring significant help to the world. Of course, we are talking about good and useful skills. Note that successful altruistic people often engage not only in charity work, but also try to become mentors to those suffering, sharing important information with them. This category of altruists includes those who share useful knowledge on the Internet. - Try to achieve harmony with others
. Altruistic-minded individuals do not create trouble for friends and relatives, do not hold grudges against opponents, and are not the instigators of conflict situations. - Don't do good for show
. Altruists are usually quite modest and do not widely publicize their good deeds. True sacrifice has no common facets with boasting.
We all from time to time feel spiritual impulses to help someone for free, but it rarely comes to this - do not stifle these spontaneous desires within yourself!
Hidden motives
As I already said, our souls have a natural desire to take care of the world around us and people, because we are all interconnected. But sometimes the mind takes precedence over the impulses of the heart. In such cases, selfishness and concern only for one’s own good awakens in a person.
Let me give you an example. A young girl takes care of a sick elderly man, only because after that he will sign his house over to her. Can this be called an altruistic act? Of course not, because the initial goal that this girl pursues is not helping a person, but immediate benefit after that.
But sometimes people are driven to do good deeds by motives that may not be clear even to the altruist himself. Let's take a closer look at these hidden motives.
Self-promotion
Increasingly, good deeds (selfless at first glance) are performed with the aim of increasing one’s reputation. World stars have all taken up charity and other philanthropic activities. This motif is called the “potlatch effect”, in honor of the Indian ceremony of demonstrative exchange of gifts. When sharp conflicts arose between the tribes, a struggle for authority began, but this was an unusual battle. Each tribal leader held a feast to which he invited his enemies. He generously treated them and presented them with expensive gifts. In this way they showed their power and wealth.
Personal sympathy
The most common motive for altruistic actions is sympathy. People are more pleased to help those they like, their friends and loved ones. In some ways, this motive intersects with self-promotion, because one of its goals is to arouse the respect of people dear to us. But there is still a significant difference, because here there is love for one’s neighbors.
Ennui
Some people devote their entire lives to altruistic acts and service to society, without experiencing inner satisfaction and harmony. The reason for this is inner emptiness, so a person throws all his strength into saving the souls of others, so as not to hear the cry for help from his own.
