We don’t hear the word altruism often and probably wonder what it means when we do hear it. My description of altruism is selfless giving. The true definition is an attitude or way of behaving marked by unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
One thing that I have found in my altruistic actions in life, is that closer relationships are developed with others who are like minded and we tend to trust those that are selfless. Altruistic love actually helps maintain happier marriages as well.
Many people believe in the Hinduism and Buddhist concept of Karma, which is the cycle of cause and effect. So if you treat people altruistically, you will attract others that treat you the same.
Some are unable to totally be selfless in their giving due to their distrust of others, their focus on what the other person has done for them or will do in the future. There is even a song that addresses this, ‘What have You Done for Me Lately,” by Janet Jackson.
The key to being able to be totally selfless in your giving is to remember that you will receive what you put out in the world.
Now there are many critics that say there are no truly altruistic people in the world because the reward received is the pleasurable feeling from selfless giving. So whether I am altruistic due to my ability to feel good about the things I have done or because of the belief that I will somehow receive the same treatment from others in the future, I have chosen to continue altruistic actions.
What I about you?
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