Altruism
Overview
Altruism is the act of helping others without expecting anything in return. It’s a kind of selflessness where someone puts the needs or well-being of another person above their own.
Key Themes
Altruism is often linked to compassion and empathy. Psychologists study it as a reflection of our social nature. Humans have evolved to care for others because cooperation helps communities thrive. Altruistic acts can also bring personal fulfillment, even if the main intention is to help someone else.
There’s ongoing debate about whether altruism is entirely selfless or if people sometimes benefit indirectly from helping others (like feeling good about themselves). However, the key idea remains: altruism is about giving without expecting anything back.
Significance
Altruism plays a vital role in building stronger communities and increases trust between people.