Is every act selfish?

[Gimgak]

So I've been thinking about this for a while, and I've come to the conclusion that all selfless acts are in fact, selfish. What I mean is that we never actually do anything for others. We will help others to make ourselves feel better about ourselves, not because we are kind. This might come off as a bit cynical but seems to me that every act of selflessness is fueled by the need of either approval of others or approval of ones self.

So what are your thoughts. Yes, no? I'd love to hear what other people have to say about this.

 

[David]

But selfless acts are made with no initial intention to make one feel good about themselves. That self approval is what comes after we complete or are going through a selfless act.

It just depends on what you define a 'selfless act' to be.

 

[Ascent]

When you help out your mother or father with something, is it because you just want to feel good about yourself? I doubt it. You help them because you love them and you don't want to see them doing whatever they were about to do without your aid.

At least, that's how it is with me.

 

[Tressy]

Like what David said, I think it depends on how you look at the word. If you're a dictionary freak, then a selfless act to you won't be selfish no matter what. But of course, sometimes people claim that they do "selfless acts", which would turn out to be actually pretty selfish if we get into their minds. For me, I wouldn't claim myself to be committing a selfless act if it's for selfish reasons. The only reason I can come up with to defend those who claim so and yet possess hidden vested interests is that they are unaware of their own selfish reasons. :shrug:

That's just what I think anyway. 🙂

 

[Bluezone777]

Not all acts are selfish. The true definition of a selfless act is an act of goodwill done with the full knowledge that you will never be repaid for it. It takes a certain type of person to do that which is right without regard for repayment. Sadly, there are so few people like that in this world but they are out there. Do not let the many who showcase the worst of humanity close your eyes to those who showcase the best of humanity. It would just be doing yourself a disservice by allowing it to happen.

 

[Gimgak]

Not all acts are selfish. The true definition of a selfless act is an act of goodwill done with the full knowledge that you will never be repaid for it.

But isn't just the feeling that makes you feel good about yourself a form of repayment?

 

[Bluezone777]

When I speak of repayment, I mean the people who you do the good acts for? Feeling good is not a repayment as it's just the response you body gives to doing good.

 

[IAAM Radio]

You are actually speaking of Altruism of which has been a philosophical and theological debate for 1000s of years.

 

[White Panda]

In essence, yes. Even those that commit, "selfless" acts do it because they want something. They want to feel good about themselves, they want a good reputation, they want passage to their religions after life, they want good karma, and so on.

 

[IAAM Radio]

Philosophers have debated this for centuries; Egoism, Altruism, Selfless Acts.... this is a Philosophy 101 level question you get as a Freshman in most universities. Regardless of your position the presentation is a 10 to 15 page essay at a minimum, at least where I went to college.
(Creighton University one of America's Top 50 Schools - Jesuit at that.)

A true act of Altruism does take place without any consideration of self. A modern day example, is a soldier who jumps on a grenade to save others, or a common citizen who jumps in front of a bus to save another. In these two acts, there is no time in a split second to think of the self. The time it takes to make a conscious decision to sacrifice yourself, allows for no thought of the self but only that of the action in itself.

Interesting to read the one liner perspectives here on FP.

 

[White Panda]

Philosophers have debated this for centuries; Egoism, Altruism, Selfless Acts.... this is a Philosophy 101 level question you get as a Freshman in most universities. Regardless of your position the presentation is a 10 to 15 page essay at a minimum, at least where I went to college.
(Creighton University of America's Top 50 Schools - Jesuit at that.)

Oh the irony, my Phil101 class starts today in an hour and 40 minutes. ^^

 

[IAAM Radio]

LoL well Panda, enjoy the course, I did.