Altruism
Jun 09, 2021
Altruism is the unselfish concern for other people—doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons. It involves acting out of concern for the well-being of other people.
In some cases, these acts of altruism lead people to jeopardize themselves to help others. Such behaviors are often performed unselfishly and without any expectations of reward. Other instances, known as reciprocal altruism, involve taking actions to help others with the expectation that they will offer help in return.
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Altruistic urges and behaviors are an important part of the glue that binds families
and social groups together, helping them to cooperate and thrive. Individuals who
go out of their way to aid others often receive something in return—whether it’s an
intangible reward, such as admiration and respect, or material support at a later
time. Altruistic impulses and the reciprocation of kind deeds help ensure all
members of a tight-knit group have backup when they need it.
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