As Gandhi once said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.” The practice of selfless concern for the well being of others, this is the concept of altruism. Whether it be in literature, in history, in our everyday lives, or in society around us altruism is vital. Songs are written about it, a balanced life depends upon it. Living as a well balanced, active member of any groups celebrates life as if there is no tomorrow and lives each day to the fullest. When you have these goals sometimes you dream bigger like Martin Luther King Jr., and you always celebrate the possibilities. Great men practice altruism, learn from their mistakes, care for others, make a difference, respect their community, and commit to
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His epic quest for immortality begins with the death of his beloved friend Enkidu. Unfortunately for Gilgamesh, this does nothing to make him a better person; instead he begins a quest for his own glory with the intent of living forever. So he seeks out the legendary Utnapishtim, who it is said was granted immortality by the gods. Upon meeting Utnapishtim, he is challenged by this legendary figure to prove his worthiness by completing a test, which Gilgamesh fails. Utnapishtim then challenges Gilgamesh to change his ways, to learn to be the leader his people need. Upon Gilgamesh cleaning up his act, Utnapishtim's wife takes pity on Gilgamesh and tells him of the plant of immortality. With this information, Gilgamesh finally acts as a true altruistic hero and seeks out the plant to help his people. Consequently, like many great men, Gilgamesh loses the plant to the serpent before he can complete his altruistic goal of giving the plant to his people, but he learns to appreciate what he has already been …show more content…
Whether it be during Sumerian times or modern day, altruism affects people and gives one perspective on life. It teaches us common sense and respect for others. Stories about altruism enlighten us about life and empower us with the tools we need to change the society we live in. Altruism teaches us to use acts of kindness, generosity, and personal risk to grow our world into what we think it should be. Altruism affects people and gives one perspective. It teaches us common sense and respect for others. Stories about altruism teach us lessons on life and empower us with the tools we need to change the society we live in. It teaches us to use acts of altruism/kindness to grow our world into what we think it should
His epic quest for immortality begins with the death of his beloved friend Enkidu. Unfortunately for Gilgamesh, this does nothing to make him a better person; instead he begins a quest for his own glory with the intent of living forever. So he seeks out the legendary Utnapishtim, who it is said was granted immortality by the gods. Upon meeting Utnapishtim, he is challenged by this legendary figure to prove his worthiness by completing a test, which Gilgamesh fails. Utnapishtim then challenges Gilgamesh to change his ways, to learn to be the leader his people need. Upon Gilgamesh cleaning up his act, Utnapishtim's wife takes pity on Gilgamesh and tells him of the plant of immortality. With this information, Gilgamesh finally acts as a true altruistic hero and seeks out the plant to help his people. Consequently, like many great men, Gilgamesh loses the plant to the serpent before he can complete his altruistic goal of giving the plant to his people, but he learns to appreciate what he has already been …show more content…
Whether it be during Sumerian times or modern day, altruism affects people and gives one perspective on life. It teaches us common sense and respect for others. Stories about altruism enlighten us about life and empower us with the tools we need to change the society we live in. Altruism teaches us to use acts of kindness, generosity, and personal risk to grow our world into what we think it should be. Altruism affects people and gives one perspective. It teaches us common sense and respect for others. Stories about altruism teach us lessons on life and empower us with the tools we need to change the society we live in. It teaches us to use acts of altruism/kindness to grow our world into what we think it should