Thursday, August 28, 2008

Are You Altruistic?

I have come across many people in my life those who are naturally altruistic. They don't show off or establish themselves as altruistic people.My mom is of one such kind, who never shows off by giving statements such as " I am interested in social service"or "I am very socially responsible".She carries out her personal duties meticulously and helps people those who approaches her, whole heartedly. On the other hand, I have seen people those who are"actively" involved in social service to gain name, fame, to socialize or to indirectly increase their business contacts.

In my experience, I have seen many people those who are associated with social service associations/clubs simply for time pass(sorry, to hurt people those who are whole heartedly involved in social services). They come for meetings/gatherings to show off their opulent jewelery and attires.Besides, there are also people those who have indirectly improved their business by using the contacts that they established through their social service. When you help someone expecting some return, no matter what, name, fame, business contact or money, you simply help them with a tinge of selfishness.On the other hand, if you help someone purely for their wellbeing, then you are altruistic and selfless.That's how altruism differs from helping.

Besides, there are also another extremes like those who completely ignore their families for their social service.If a socially active individual ignores his family to help another family, who will take care of his family?Doesn't it make sense to carryout all our duties and then help others? But there are also a handful of people those who have got the right balance. Let's reckon them as our models to emulate.After all, at the end of the day, it is your INTENTION not your ACTION that matters more.

4 comments:

karthi said...

Whether showing his/ her’ s bride / power / wealth , somebody is getting help .
This is the matter.
Take the good side of these persons and appreciate; forget the negative side.
After all everybody want some fame. We too.

Poorna said...

True Karthi! But I feel if they can save the money(expensive hotel /food/drinks etc for the meeting),few more people could get help.To do that, service should be the only motto for all.

A Random Traveler said...

:) This brings me memoirs of the recent book i read,"The Selfish Gene Theory" by Dr. Dawkins. With ample facts, he proves that all genes in all our species are programmed to be selfish.

But, only mankind, stands apart, because we can break this code and be altruistic due to our intelligence.

Maybe, Intelligence was all about breaking this code of selfishness..I wonder..

:)
[Just a random blog reader]

Poorna said...

Is it? Let me try to find that book.Thank you for sharing your thoughts!