Egoistic or Altruistic
One of the most common human traits according to researchers is egoism. Egoism is known as the action of individuals directed at their own good. In other words, individuals act for their self-interest or self-benefit. Altruism on the other hand, is the complete opposite of egoism. Altruism is defined as a concern for the welfare of others and is considered a virtue in many cultures, and as such is encouraged (Batson, 1994). So when a person is born, is he predisposed to be being altruistic or egotistic? This question may very well be impossible to answer.
When a person is born, he is naturally of good moral character and therefore could be altruistic at the beginning stages of life. This is not to say that people who are egotistic are of bad moral character. As the person grows up, he will go through the nurture stages of life where other traits will be instilled by those who raise him. …show more content…
Experts mention that not all people who claim to be altruistic are such. Many altruistic people do for others only when a reward is in line or do for others to feel good about themselves. Altruism in my opinion is not about receiving anything in return. Although others are being helped regardless of the reward or self-satisfaction on the person extending the selfless act, one must do it without expecting anything in return. If a reward comes without soliciting it then the person can take it if they wish but a person who is altruistic should never expect one. For example, a person who makes monthly monetary donations to a children’s hospital could be deemed altruistic as long as that person expects nothing in return. On the other hand, if a celebrity makes a one-time million dollar donation to the same hospital, then that celebrity is doing it for the notoriety that will come from this act of
One of the most common human traits according to researchers is egoism. Egoism is known as the action of individuals directed at their own good. In other words, individuals act for their self-interest or self-benefit. Altruism on the other hand, is the complete opposite of egoism. Altruism is defined as a concern for the welfare of others and is considered a virtue in many cultures, and as such is encouraged (Batson, 1994). So when a person is born, is he predisposed to be being altruistic or egotistic? This question may very well be impossible to answer.
When a person is born, he is naturally of good moral character and therefore could be altruistic at the beginning stages of life. This is not to say that people who are egotistic are of bad moral character. As the person grows up, he will go through the nurture stages of life where other traits will be instilled by those who raise him. …show more content…
Experts mention that not all people who claim to be altruistic are such. Many altruistic people do for others only when a reward is in line or do for others to feel good about themselves. Altruism in my opinion is not about receiving anything in return. Although others are being helped regardless of the reward or self-satisfaction on the person extending the selfless act, one must do it without expecting anything in return. If a reward comes without soliciting it then the person can take it if they wish but a person who is altruistic should never expect one. For example, a person who makes monthly monetary donations to a children’s hospital could be deemed altruistic as long as that person expects nothing in return. On the other hand, if a celebrity makes a one-time million dollar donation to the same hospital, then that celebrity is doing it for the notoriety that will come from this act of