#MyWordForToday is #Altruism

#MyWordForToday is #Altruism

The last blog I did was on "Wealth", and I linked this to the "Tragedy of Commons". 

Being altruistic is a direct opposite of wallowing in the TOC. It refers to putting other people, their needs, and wants before yours. Most importantly you're happy doing it. 

It struck me that being altruistic is not really human nature (I mean this in a general way) as we are always wont to act in our self-interest. 

Even though studies have found that our first impulse is to cooperate rather than compete, it appears as though we have reconditioned ourselves to constantly seeking self over cooperation. 

True altruism teaches us that if we could go against our nature, the entire world would be better for it. I will give some illustrations to make this relatable.

This pandemic has taught us many lessons. My being okay/healthy is dependent on the altruism of you being careful and vice versa. So if I were to wear a mask and you do same, the chances of spreading/catching the disease are somewhat reduced. 

Altruism has been shoved behind us because we answer the call to our nature far more than we should be doing.  

Relationships (whether personal or professional) have come highly transactional. 

It is not helped when we have people quoting (albeit, out of turn) Luke 6:38 "give, and it shall be given unto you, good measure pressed down shaken together... shall Men bring to your bosom".

This means when you give anything: time, money, care, you expect that same or more will be given unto you.

I'm not saying this is necessarily wrong, after all to whom much is given, much is expected.  But if we continue to give so another can give us,  then we will never be able to strengthen our altruistic muscle.

True altruism is motivated by a selfless desire to help others. Science has found that when we are altruistic, there is a certain "feel-good" feeling that is lit up in a section of our brain. 

This is often referred to as a "warm glow effect" or "a helpers' high". When you act out of obligation, loyalty or religion, you haven't acted altruistically, but it is a kindness in itself. So acting out of obligation, and not agency should also not be discountenanced. (I'm just saying).

Perhaps the "helpers' high" is what motivates philanthropy and charity. My husband, who is also a Legal Practitioner does a lot of pro-bono cases. 

A particular one that stuck with him was of a young man who was accused of peddling drugs and he had been unable to get legal representation that would free him from jail. 

He (My Husband) succeeded in getting the young man off the hook, and because he did it without taking a single penny from them,  the family were very happy.  In fact, the young man's father broke down in tears as the young man had been an inmate for months. 

The afterglow my Husband said he got from helping the family out of difficulty stayed with him for a very long time, and that he would often recall those moments and be glad.

When we are altruistic, it's kind of a win-win situation, we have helped others and we also feel good with ourselves. 

And sometimes altruism comes with non material rewards, recall how angels helped Sarah because of Abram's (as he then was)  help.

In every profession or position, a modicum of altruism is required. Lawyers practice by taking pro bono cases like the example of my husband I gave. Teachers coach a whole generation of younglins in being better persons and it is particularly needed if you are in the Medical services line because it is, of course, a matter of life and death. 

Giving a person a hand when it does not in any way benefits us all. The more we engage in it, the better our society is for it.

I read of a Nigerian man who jumped into icy waters in order to rescue some drowning persons, he succeeded in rescuing five out of six but unfortunately died. More unfortunate is that he left behind a young wife and young dependents who had no help and no support.

These sort of stories discourages altruism because there is no social help when anything happens to those persons who go out of their way to show concern for others.

It is also why whistleblowing makes me feel one type of way (I'm not saying it is wrong, I'm just saying 🙈). But if we reward people for altruism, doesn't it take away the nobility of the act? 

I'm left to wonder if one can reprogram himself/wards/children into being altruistic? Seeing that asides from the helpers' high, there are no other rewards? 

I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

 Cheers.

Bibireosefowora 💌