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THE PRETENTIOUSNESS OF ALTRUISM
A Thread
The human race throughout the ages has been confronted with one question that remains unanswered, "Am I a good person because I do good things or do the things I do become good because I'm a good person?"
Let's examine this paradox.
A Thread
The human race throughout the ages has been confronted with one question that remains unanswered, "Am I a good person because I do good things or do the things I do become good because I'm a good person?"
Let's examine this paradox.
First, you might want to take two tablets of paracetamol after reading that intro and I won't blame you. I also had to after writing that.
However, the concept of altruism which is on trial today encompasses the virtue of being good.
However, the concept of altruism which is on trial today encompasses the virtue of being good.
Over centuries and numerous decades, we have heard, seen and read about countless tales of good deeds done by individuals to others, often to their own detriment.
Basically, I deny myself so another can have.
Basically, I deny myself so another can have.
Altruism is a beautiful attribute for a person to have. It symbolizes honesty and selflessness; doing things without ulterior motives or hidden agendas.
And over the years, various forms of altruism have emerged.
And over the years, various forms of altruism have emerged.
However, I'll narrow these forms to two broad aspects:
• Moderate altruism
• Extreme altruism
Basically, the first is like having a pair of shoes while standing in the snow and giving one shoe to a barefoot hobo, while interchanging left and right from time to time.
• Moderate altruism
• Extreme altruism
Basically, the first is like having a pair of shoes while standing in the snow and giving one shoe to a barefoot hobo, while interchanging left and right from time to time.
It's the normal form of altruism. You make yourself a little bit uncomfortable in order for someone to be a little bit comfortable. At the end, you both win.
The latter, however is like giving both shoes to the hobo while you watch your feet freeze in the snow.
The latter, however is like giving both shoes to the hobo while you watch your feet freeze in the snow.
It's still altruism though, but the barefoot man just wanted a shoe, not a martyr.
Basically, it's the extreme end of a spectrum that does not have a reciprocating end because half-hearted denial isn't altruism at all.
Basically, it's the extreme end of a spectrum that does not have a reciprocating end because half-hearted denial isn't altruism at all.
Despite the feelings that altruism elicit from the giver, receiver and spectator, the very concept can be argued to be one of condescension.
A belief that you're better than the person you're performing the good act towards.
A belief that you're better than the person you're performing the good act towards.
And this is where the pretentiousness of altruism is evident. In the class difference between both parties.
"I am financially, emotionally, intellectually better than you, so shut up and gratefully accept my help because that's all you can do. Ask for it."
"I am financially, emotionally, intellectually better than you, so shut up and gratefully accept my help because that's all you can do. Ask for it."
I mean, it's not that extreme but it manifests subconsciously. Along with the fact that altruistic individuals, especially Christians, expect some sort of reward for being good.
It's funny how something so good can have a dark undertone.
It's funny how something so good can have a dark undertone.
The idea that it's your duty to do good to the less privileged, by virtue of the fact that you are better than them.
The idea of getting a reward, either here or in heaven for performing altruistic actions.
And, the idea of doing good so people can see how great you are.
The idea of getting a reward, either here or in heaven for performing altruistic actions.
And, the idea of doing good so people can see how great you are.
While I see these things as criticisms of altruism, it is no excuse to withhold help from people who need it.
Even though one who does good for people to see isn't so much different, hoarding help like palliatives is distasteful; whether in jest or not (e.g Motara)
Even though one who does good for people to see isn't so much different, hoarding help like palliatives is distasteful; whether in jest or not (e.g Motara)
Altruism isn't intended to make you feel better or get you honoured, it's something that actually takes more from you than it gives back.
A selfless attitude that does good because it is right.
I would talk about what defines "good", but on some other day.
A selfless attitude that does good because it is right.
I would talk about what defines "good", but on some other day.
So, when you give that money to that beggar or donate to that charity or employ an illiterate, ask yourself why you're doing it.
Do you intend to become a good person by doing those good things, or do those things you do become good because you're inherently a good person?
Do you intend to become a good person by doing those good things, or do those things you do become good because you're inherently a good person?
It's still a dilemma for me too, but I believe there's an answer somewhere.
Hopefully, this kick-starts the process of finding it.
THE END
Hopefully, this kick-starts the process of finding it.
THE END
