The concept behind altruism has been popular in history particularly in ethical as well as philosophical thoughts. To understand why some people are considered altruists it is important to explain the meaning of altruism sufficiently. In this light, altruism is regarded as any behavior that is kind and shows concern for others rather than being selfish. Consequently, these behaviors extends to helping the sick people, serving as a volunteer in community service, being a hospital attendant, and taking in a family that has been left homeless by fire. This paper proposes to discuss in detail the concept of altruism. The paper will achieve this by critically showcasing a connection between my personal life experience and psychology.
Primarily, altruism is often considered as an innate characteristic that is passed along the process of evolution. Moreover, it is true that people have had a better chance of surviving when they live with other individuals compared to when they live on their own. According to research, altruism does not only lie within a line of hereditary but also in the process of learning. In this light, there are no doubt wide differences surrounding altruism among various individuals. Consequently, those people who have always embraced empathy are tipped to be altruistic since they possess the ability to feel mental as well as an emotional state of other people in the society. Whether altruism is a basic and an innate human characteristic or not there is little doubt that it can at least be motivated through learning as well as social influence. Moreover, having parents who have altruistic traits can sometimes play a role in this aspect.
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There are quite some scenarios where I can say that I have practiced altruism or rather I have been an altruist. Having parents who have helped others in the society made it easy for me. My parents are not new when it comes to the aspect of being an altruist. I remember one day fire broke in our neighborhood where virtually everyone lost their property and even some losing their lives. Although we also lost our property, my parents were fortunate enough to have another home in California, therefore, we had to shift. We took in some families who had no place to go. Such instances taught me well how to take care of others even though one might still be in some difficulties. Through my parents, I have grasped a lot of teachings in as far as having empathy for others is concerned with something that has shaped my life all along.
Having completed my college studies, I had to decide on the path of my career and what to do afterward. Although I had different people advising me on what to do, I decided to be a volunteer in helping the refugees who were moving from various places such as Mexico to the United States. My decision was influenced by the fact that refugees go through a lot of difficulties in trying to cope up with life of the unknown. I as well stated charity work where I could collect money from well-wishers and divert them to funding the refugee’s program. Although the task was difficult and full of challenges, I never accepted payment of any form since my act was purely to help those that were in need in the society.
It is, therefore, clear that the act of altruism demands one to be selfless and having the will to help others without any benefit of any kind on either long-term or short-term basis. There are certainly many scenarios where people have stepped up to help the less fortunate in the society by sacrificing their happiness for others. Nonetheless, one has to shun from being egoist for the interest of others in the society to acquire altruist traits.
