Is there such thing as a truly selfless act?

[FlipMode]

Hi.
So yeah time for one of those "Let us sit and have a cup of tea and a nice chat about a random thing in life that may or may not be true, but may be subjective."
Is there such a thing as a truly selfless act, or are things that are generally considered "selfless" actually done because we just want to be known as that nice guy / girl who cares about others? I mean I used to be a volunteer at the Cancer Research UK shop once, and someone just bought up this with me. Was I really doing it because I wanted to? Well no, I was actually using it as a starting point to get into paid work, which was successful.

Even giving your life to save another, donating an organ etc... Is it truly selfless or is it just because we want the "fame" that comes along with it and to know that we are forever in someone else's gratitude, and respected because of it?

Leave your thoughts, or do not because truth be told I am rambling a bit, I just thought it would be a kind of semi-interesting discussion.

[KopsTheTerminator]

I've thought about this before, but I dunno, I do think it's possible from personal experience. For example, people help (wild) animals, who don't understand the concept of kindness and certainly won't be able to repay the favour, so there's truly no point in even helping them in the first place. (Sadly, there are others who simply do it for fame.) Also, people who help others in secret. I can see why someone could believe that, though, so I voted "maybe".

[AdAstrα]

Yes, I do believe there is such a thing as a selfless act. I don't have any examples right now because I'm tired and my brain isn't functioning properly, but I'll think about it lol.

[Regulus]

No. Because the reason for committing a truly selfless act is to be able to say "I committed a truly selfless act."

We've all heard the story of the guy who jumped on a grenade to safe his squadmates. I don't think that's a selfless act at all. Knowing his friends could die brought him more pain than the actual grenade itself.

But, there's nothing wrong with that. If he wanted the fame and recognition, then that's fine by me. I don't think he doesn't deserve it.

[FlipMode]

[quote="KopsTheTerminator"]I've thought about this before, but I dunno, I do think it's possible from personal experience. For example, people help (wild) animals, who don't understand the concept of kindness and certainly won't be able to repay the favour, so there's truly no point in even helping them in the first place. (Sadly, there are others who simply do it for fame.) Also, people who help others in secret. I can see why someone could believe that, though, so I voted "maybe".[/quote]

Maybe fame was the wrong term, respect perhaps would be a better term. While the animals do not, we as humans recognise it as an honourable thing to do, and that was more what I was getting at with this thread.

[quote="Regulus"]No. Because the reason for committing a truly selfless act is to be able to say "I committed a truly selfless act."[/quote]

There.

[quote="Regulus"]
But, there's nothing wrong with that. If he wanted the fame and recognition, then that's fine by me. I don't think he doesn't deserve it.[/quote]

That is a very good point as well I guess, just because someone does something crazy like that because they will have the eternal gratitude of a lot of people, does not mean they do not deserve it I suppose.

[KingKivuli]

thinking about it nothing is truly selfless. i do things for my friends/family/fiancée all the time without thinking about it, never occurs to that it makes them like me more, it does but.. never enters my head until i think on it. its one of those things where its perspective. that solider with grenade i find 100% selfless, he gave his life to save a friend without even thinking. in moments like that. you dont think 'oh yeah ill do this and be crowned a hero' it just happens

[KopsTheTerminator]

[quote="KingKivuli"]thinking about it nothing is truly selfless. i do things for my friends/family/fiancée all the time without thinking about it, never occurs to that it makes them like me more, it does but.. never enters my head until i think on it. its one of those things where its perspective. that solider with grenade i find 100% selfless, he gave his life to save a friend without even thinking. in moments like that. you dont think 'oh yeah ill do this and be crowned a hero' it just happens[/quote]

Hmm... I gotta agree with that. You're right, it's human psychology.

[Tabby]

[quote="KopsTheTerminator"]I've thought about this before, but I dunno, I do think it's possible from personal experience. For example, people help (wild) animals, who don't understand the concept of kindness and certainly won't be able to repay the favour, so there's truly no point in even helping them in the first place.[/quote]

Could we say help animals 'cause you really love them, would be like to help your friends 'cause you love them?, I mean, at least for me, do a truly selfless act is to help without see who r u helping and without wait for something as a reward..

Another thing I don't consider as selfless is to give your sit in a bus I mean, mostly you're doing it 'cause you're kinda ''forced'' by society, to do that, like ''I have to give my sit to that pregnant women / elderly person 'cause otherwise ppl will think I'm a good person/would be mad at me''

but well anyways I voted ''Maybe'' but I really can't thing in something ''selfless' right now.

[Azdgari]

Sure. For example, I love my brother unconditionally. I care more about his happiness than my own, truly. I act selflessly for him because of that.

I would argue if you say no, you should think about the people you love and whom love you. I know the people in my life don't do it for fame or to make people like them or to make themselves feel good. Being sick in hospitals with a potentially life-disabling and even life-threatening syndrome for the last couple months has shown me a lot about selflessness.

[DGFone]

Absolutely.

Keep in mind that the fame comes after the event, and almost always is created by another person. So if you do something selfless, chances are, you are not thinking about yourself, nor are you thinking about the future. All you see is a problem, and a way to solve it.

Whatever may come later, that is of no concern.