Helping Others: Does it even Matter why?

Summary

The article discusses the motivations behind helping others, questioning the existence of pure altruism and suggesting that the positive impact of our actions is more important than the underlying intentions.

Abstract

The author reflects on the nature of helping others, particularly during the holiday season when charitable acts seem more prevalent. While acknowledging the societal push towards generosity, the author challenges the notion of selflessness in such acts. It is argued that people often gain something in return, whether it be tax benefits, a sense of karma, spiritual fulfillment, or simply the pleasure of being kind. The article posits that the desire for recognition or personal gain does not diminish the good that comes from philanthropic actions. The author emphasizes that as long as the world benefits from our deeds, the reasons behind them are less significant.

Opinions

The author is skeptical about the existence of true altruism, believing that everyone gains something from acts of kindness.
Helping others is seen as inherently self-centered because it results in positive feelings for the helper.
The author does not see a problem with people benefiting from their charitable acts, such as receiving tax breaks or public recognition.
It is suggested that the world would improve if everyone helped each other without causing harm, regardless of the motivation.
The author admits to helping others for personal pleasure and does not consider themselves a selfless individual.
There is a critique of those who question the motives of others' generosity, especially when the outcome is positive.

Helping Others: Does it even Matter why?

“If we always helped one another, no one would ever need luck.” — Sophocles

Especially around this time of year, people seem to be in a rather charitable state of mind. You see more volunteering at soup kitchens, or handing out clothing to the homeless. Some donate money or in kind to help those in need. Others go around town giving food and other gifts to those less fortunate. Season’s Greetings to all, it seems the motto.

Of course, it’s not limited to this time of year. People do things like this year round. But it’s special, isn’t it, just about now? Maybe the idea of Santa coming to the chimney has a certain effect on us. Well, maybe not all of us, as there are those assholes out there who won’t think twice about hurting others. But you get my point.

It’s nice that we help others. But I won’t call it altruism. I don’t know who among us is really entirely selfless. In my simplistic way of seeing the world. altruism means one has absolutely nothing to gain from an act. Nah, I don’t think that is the prime motivation at all.

Maybe we make donations because there are tax benefits. Or perhaps it’s easier, as in not getting our hands dirty, than going into the field. It could be that we believe there’s such a thing as karma. What goes around comes around and all that. Or perhaps we’ll end up in heaven if we are good. Maybe Santa will give us a present if we’re on the right side of his ledger.

For some, the benefit of being kind is more intrinsic. It just feels good to be nice. It feels useful to help others. It feels fulfilling to offer solace.

Regardless, at the end of the day, the person comes away with some positive feelings. They gained something. Not selfless. Not altruistic. Instead, the act in whatever guise is manifestly self-centred. We do good because it gives us pleasure, physical or emotional, or even spiritual.

And there ain’t nothing wrong with that. I, for one, don’t believe altruism needs to come into play at all. Why does it matter if I am being selfless, so long as it’s helping someone? If, on balance, the world is a better place because of what I did or didn’t do, then it’s all good.

When we question someone’s motive, for instance when we see someone giving millions to a hospital and getting their name on the wall, we can get a bit ambitiously self-righteous. So what if some rich person gets their name plastered all over the place? The outcome is still of net benefit. Some sick kid somewhere is getting medical treatment because of it. I don’t begrudge the benefactor for wanting to be recognized. Now, of course, it would be more saintly if the person foregoes the naming bit. But hey, give them a break! At least they are doing something nice.

I am not a selfless individual. I never bend over backwards just so I can help someone. And I help because I derive pleasure from it. But if all eight billion of us will just do that, and not inflict harm on others, I think the world would be a much better place for it. Christmas or not.

Season’s Greetings!