How important for us is considerate or selfless behavior in life?
Selfless Behavior
All of us have a deeply ingrained tendency to act, ranging from selflessness to selfishness. The real challenge is learning to lean toward Altruism (a term related to ‘selfless behaviour”) without sacrificing your self-interest.
We all are naturally torn between helping ourselves and helping others. So how the balance can be retained between these two attitudes? Altruistic behaviour is all about good intentions for others, i.e., prioritizes the betterment of others instead of harming them. But what about if some drawbacks accompany this behaviour?
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of ‘altruistic behaviour” and how to cultivate it.
What exactly is Altruism?
This term is related to “unselfish behaviour,” intended to benefit others. It involves a goal-directed action for improving someone else’s welfare.
If a person is generous, he does things out of kindness and with a sincere desire of helping, i.e., not because he feels obligated. In this matter, the motivation stems up from a real concern for the well-being of others.
Different types of Altruism:
Mentioned below are four different types of Altruism having different psychological motives behind:
- Reciprocal Altruism:
It involves the aspect of reciprocity, i.e., you help the other person with the expectation of getting help back some other time. But the problem with this kind of Altruism is the chance of disappointment if the second person does not reciprocate.
- Genetic Altruism:
It is also known as “nepotistic altruism.” It is comprised of behaviour that is for the benefit of family members. In a “parent-child relationship,” you can observe this type where the parents sacrifice their time, energy, and money for their children’s wellbeing. This kind of behaviour is, in fact, related to “human survival instinct” intrinsically.
- Pure Altruism:
It is also known as “moral altruism,” as it is an unselfish kind of Altruism. It involves helping others with no expectation of reward or reciprocity, even if there is a risk involved.
- Group-selected Altruism:
This kind of Altruism is related to group affiliations. For example, if you prefer helping your friend instead of helping in the way of charity, or maybe if you support a cause that is important to you specifically, like raising money for the “hunger elimination program” you designed.
Why do human beings practice Altruism?
This kind of behaviour stems from a sense of generosity, along with the following aspects:
- Compassionate empathy:
A compassionate empathy draws people toward helping others with whom they are connected socially. This very connection creates cognitive and emotional empathy.
Empathy is about understanding someone’s situation and perspectives. This approach draws you to help others.
- Feeling good:
Altruism leads o activating the pleasure centres in the brain.
Is Altruism innate?
To an extent, this behaviour is naturally innate, e.g., when we see others in need of help, we are naturally inclined to lend a helping hand. And additionally, we also learn Altruism from our upbringing, cultural norms, and environment.
It refers to the idea of prioritizing your emotional well being and needs before tending to the welfare of others. A related example of this can be found in in-flight safety instructions, i.e., preferring to secure your oxygen mask before helping others is a form of healthy selfishness.
Usually, the dealing falls in two categories, i.e., either you have a “people-pleasing tendency,” i.e., you go out of your way to put others first, or you are too “self-absorbed,” i.e., wrapped up in your own problems to think about others. Healthy selfishness falls on the balance between these two attitudes. It means you keep yourself in touch with your mental, physical and emotional health to fulfil your needs.
Why is Altruism important?
- Results in a harmonious society
Aspects of cooperation, trust, Altruism, and compassion are all necessary ingredients of a well-functioning society.
- Fosters a better mental and physical health
Spontaneous acts of kindness contribute more to the overall well-being as compared to scheduled or formal acts.
- Supports the “Eudaimonic wellbeing.”
Eudaimonic well being is a state of emotional well being that comes from:
Ø Finding purpose and meaning in life
Ø Self awareness and self-actualization
Ø Realizing one’s full potential
Different signs of Altruism:
Listed below are eight signs of Altruism:
Ø Putting others first.
Ø Sacrificing money and time to help others
Ø Offering support
Ø Forgiving others
Ø Expecting no reciprocity
Ø Being considerate
How to cultivate Altruism:
Practising gratitude
When a person is grateful, he tends to be more generous. This is related to the concept of “paying it forward!”. When you have an attitude of appreciating all that you have got, you are inclined to help others in need.
Cultivating compassionate empathy
When you focus on understanding the feelings and perspectives of other people, you feel naturally drawn to helping them.
Fighting injustice:
Being a strong ally, one can foster Altruism and help in ending exclusion. Standing up for the marginalized communities, confronting hateful speech, and paying attention to what you speak will help you in this regard.
Discovering needs:
Make an effort to learn about the spot where your contribution can make the most impact.
How to promote Altruism in others?
You may encourage others once you fully nurture your altruistic abilities. Here are the ways to encourage others:
Ø Be a role model
Ø Share real stories
Ø Create a supportive community
Ø Promote acceptance
Ø Get your fellows/ coworkers involved
Any downside to being altruistic behaviour
This behaviour sometimes can result in negative consequences as Altruism involves sacrificing one’s personal needs. Some adverse effects involved are :
- It can lead you to put your own time, health, and money on the line.
- It can be the cause of tension at home if the process of “giving” requires something that could upset the giver’s family.
- It can threaten personal needs and boundaries for the sake of others.
Finding the “right” balance:
Practising the approach of Altruism, “finding the optimized balance,” is the main key for your wellness. Do not get involved in personal sacrifice beyond what you can easily handle. Do not be excessively kind so that others can invade your boundaries.
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