
Would You Sacrifice Yourself For A Stranger?


I think society is terrible and I hate everyone. I envision throttling dumb people and hoping for the day I can watch that guy who cut me off on the highway, fly right off the bridge. But, i have notoce I won't hesitate to save a life. I live in a hill country and on the road home, you can look right to see a 35 foot tall rock wall of death and on the left you can look down to find a 30-100 foot drop to the bottom of the hill. The roads are carved into the side of the hill and curve at extreme angles. The fastest speed limit is 45 miles per hours. I was coming home around 2 am from a bar. Straight ahead of me I see brake lights and I almost crash because I was following them. The lights turned out to be 25 feet off the ground in a tree over hanging the cliff. This drunk guy drove his half ton truck up this tree and the tree was managing to hold his truck there as he continued to apply gas/brake and turned the steering wheel. He though he was still driving home. I climbed up the tree, knocked on his window and when he rolled it down I cut his seat belt and dragged this 60 something year old out of the car and carried him to the ground. One of the scariest things I've ever done. He had managed to climb back to his truck and tried to drive away when the cops showed up. Not everyone wants to be saved
One year, on this typical 4th of July story, we were launching the largest mortar shells we bought along with a box of assorted fireworks that launch right from the box itself. They were positioned on a wooden slab and the mortar went off first causing the wood to shake violently and knocked the box of fireworks on its side, facing everyone. I, being too far to turn the box, ran straight toward this mom holding her kid, who are like 30 feet from the box. I picked them both up and kept running until they were behind a car and we three watched everyone panic from behind the windows. It was glorious
Once, I went to a large water park with a wave machine attached to a lazy river. A not so lazy river? And I'm walking along the path that follows the river, with a rail between the path and the river so you can jump in, I can see the water receding for a giant wave that hits every 20 minutes or so. The machine sucks in an enormous amount of water. Then I spot this little tiny toddler going around all these people waiting for the big wave and I've seen people get hit by the wave before, no one is really ever ready. It throws you like a rag doll. This toddler just strolls on past everyone and right in front of the machine as it releases all the stored water. By this time I'm being yelled at by the life guards because I'm climbing over and hanging off the railing waiting for this poor kid to wash down stream to me. He's being thrown around, stepped on, grinded against the walls and floor of the river. And I jump right in the middle and grab him so I get pushed around and stepped on instead. The life guards never found me and the kid was crying but he was alright. The mom saw everything so she bought me a hot dog or something I dont remember. A shirt maybe?
My point is, every life has value, it has purpose, it has a meaning. You can dislike every single human alive and still value life. Life means possibilities and possibilities only exist because other people make them exist, because you make them exist. When you save a life, you've just kept all those doors open for that person to make a difference. You've just made a difference
It's a situational thing, but generally i have a strong protective nature. Couple that with my constant awareness of my surroundings and I'm often running contingency plans through my head.
Perhaps the fact that I've already put myself in danger's way in my life, makes me more likely to do it now, but like i said, it's situational.
For example: this last 4th of July, a drunk guy fell off the platform onto the tracks, at the station on Marcy and Broadway. Without thinking, I reached down to help him back up. Now, I sure as hell wouldn't have jumped down on the tracks to help him in that situation, but perhaps if it were a bit different, I would have.
As much as I'd love to say yes, I don't know for sure if that would be an honest answer. I've noticed that I have the tendency to help someone who seems like they could use some help. This happens on instinct if it's something simple like if a person falls off a vehicle, a child struggles to get on a seat, giving up my seat for an older person, etc. I don't have to think about it. But for things that either are not as obvious or as complex as say if someone looks a little lost or if some stranger has something in their teeth or something, I'm more likely to think it all through. "Should I? Would I be assuming that they are lost when they're actually just waiting for someone? Will they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable?", etc.
I've never come across a life or death situation per se so I don't know how I'll react. Will I just freeze? Will I act instinctively? Will I call for help? I don't know. All I can say for sure is that I won't just walk away.
If you have people who depend on you, sacrificing yourself for a stranger doesn't make sense. Making heroic efforts to save someone does. The recent human chain that helped a guy out of his flooded car... That was extraordinary. But giving up your life that has value to you and others is asking too much.
It depends on the outcome. Will I still be alive and without any disfiguring injuries? If it's a yes (ex: only bruises and a couple fractures that can be healed) then I would.
If that's a no, then nope.
Sorry but I still have many goals in life that I need to complete. I feel too young to leave at this moment.
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I like the idea. But I honestly don't like people enough to do that. I probably would be more inclined if we didn't live in a giant unpredictable free for all. But if it's a loved one, it would be a different story.
You won’t sacrifice yourself for others because everyone is out for themselves?
@KaitieSearching - Nah I just see sacrificing oneself as futile since we live in such an unpredictable environment with no ultimately defined goal. My belief system clashes with my instincts a lot on this topic. It has me ending up feeling passive about it. My emotions commend people who honorably sacrifice themselves for others, but my scientific/philosophical side always makes me feel like it's pointless. And that's why I wouldn't be so eager to do it for a stranger, but I'll feel positive emotions for those who would do it for a stranger. I'd be more inclined with a loved one though. I think my instincts would win that fight. 🤼
To be honest with you.
Most of these clowns will tell you “oh sure I would, of course”. But if you wanna be real here, 90% of people don’t even stick up for people even when someone is getting bullied. Look at the social experiments people have all over. Not to be negative but nobody gives a damn about you, me, your children nobody. Now people won’t directly say it but it’s important to know that NOBODY will help you and the only person that will is your own self, be generous, be kind to others as it doesn’t cost anyone anything, but most importantly, don’t give a shit about people when they clearly won’t spare a dime for you. I speak from living in a shitty neighborhood where everyone is for themselves I don't know how your case may be.
Sacrifice is different from risk as I see it. There have been no scenarios in my life where I had to sacrifice my life on behalf of others. There have been a few where I had to risk it, and one that landed me in a hospital in exchange for two lives saved. But at the time I had no thought going on in my head of "sacrifice", not even "risk". I just observed a large group of people trying to kill someone and instinctively intervened. I don't know what I'd do in the event of knowing I'd certainly die if I did. I never thought about these things when I rescued people.
>> There have been no scenarios in my life where I had to sacrifice my life on behalf of others.
Obviously, as I wouldn't be here today if so. But I don't know about "sacrifice". I like to think there's always a chance for us to all come out alive no matter what the scenario. I prefer to fail in taking that chance. I have fought 20 people single-handedly to rescue a couple and that's what landed me in the hospital (maybe my most heroic moment in my life, but I was drunk, and all my fingers shattered on both hands trying to block their kicks when I went down along with my ribs and front teeth). I've also helped people out of burning buildings although it wasn't exciting like in movies -- just walk into burning buildings and help people out... the buildings did explode though but after 15 mins or so (more than enough time for the occupants to have left on their own)
Some people have called me a local "hero" for these things but I'm not sure I would do what I did if I knew what would happen in advance (especially the one that broke my hands and ribs and teeth -- especially repairing my teeth was so expensive and still causes me all kinds of irritations today with fake teeth in the front). I didn't think about it at the time. I just went for it. If I knew in advance what would happen, I don't know what I'd do.
Like I'm just sorta stupid. Whatever "heroic" qualities I have that keep being celebrated among people I know is just dumbness, exaggerated by alcohol in some cases. I didn't think about what would happen to me at the time at all. I put zero thoughts into it. That's maybe why I'm "brave". I just don' think. Smart people would do that. I'm not smart. I see people in need of help and I don't think, I just do.
Back in a time when there still existed solid communal structures within western nations, you likely would've seen many acts of kindness and bravery. But modern society being the fractured, transient and anonymous world that it is, I wouldn't expect anybody to piss on me if I were on fire TBH.
Likewise, I look at most random people, and think they should just fucking burn.
No. because my 2 teen kids depend on me , they are not quite old enough to be independent yet. I would only do that for someone ( including other animals , my beloved pets ) that I truly value. I admit I am not a fan of people in general , a small child would be an exception... but up to a point
Agreed. I really enjoy socialising with the right sorts, but for the average joe out on the cobbles, in this day and age? Haha... No.
@FreshOutaIdeas Yep , exactly , give me polecats / ferrets and dogs over the vast majority of the brainwashed 2 legged herd animals out there !! Many make me want to go into full " weasel mode " on them... and you know what mean predators the Mustelid family can be , my late beloved ferret , Miss Woolworth was a savage rat killing Terminator.. yet so adorable on the flip side.
It’s a thought provoking question. The answer is not as simple as people think. Many, if not most, would put themselves in danger to save a child who was in danger, even a total stranger. But that’s only because the danger is in their life at that moment. Almost all of those same spontaneous heroes are not willing to make a modest financial sacrifice to give enough to charity to save the lives of 100-1000 children a year. It doesn’t require that much giving to save lives. Why is that?
Interesting question, and I wonder that myself, but I've read that a few Hollywood actors donate quite a bit of money to causes that are supposed to help people in poorer countries, yet why are those countries still suffering? How much money do they need to actually make a difference? Surely the thousands of dollars already being donated is enough to do something, right?
@helpmealitttle You have no idea what the distribution network is for that money. Who might scrape something off the top in a corrupt situation to where the people who need it don't get the 90 percent of the commodities they're supposed to get. When countries are struggling to organize themselves politically and there's chaos, there will be chaos in every aspect of society. Even aid. It takes millions upon millions of dollars to aid a tiny country. Billions of dollars in damage is done to earthquake, typhoon and hurricane stricken areas.
Every bit helps. Even inefficient aid is better than none during natural disasters or wars. Try Charity Navigator to get a detailed rundown on how efficient and honest individual charities are. There’s a huge difference in effectiveness. My preferred charity is Mercy Corps, which is honest and extremely effective.
Unless we’re talking about a little kid under 5 or 6 years old I’m not risking my life for someone who knowingly got into a dangerous situation.
Otoh if criminals are involved, I will take them on for the greater good.
I mean if I saw a kid or a person about to be ran over by a car or something and I was close enough that I could actually get to them in time then I would obviously run and try to save em even if it meant I might get hit.
Stuff like that sure.
I think that only a husband or a wife would sacrifice themselves for each other because they simply find it hard to live without each other since they are one after marriage.
You can try your best to help someone in need but not to a point where you have to die for them, especially if your married and have a family.
Probably not if it was for an individual, and adults in general, but maybe I'd change my mind if it was about children.
If I have to think about it then I would probably say NO. Our brains want to keep us safe not put us in harms way.
But if it was instinctual and happened fast then probably... because my mind couldn't stop me at that point!
I wouldn't. Just not in my coding. I have been a selfish person for as long as I can remember. I have things I have to accomplish before I can leave.
I only value those I love or care about. Everyone else, they have no value to me. So child or not, I won’t sacrifice myself for a stranger.
Maybe for a attractive female. I would expect something in return tho... Like getting with me up in heaven.. They owe..
Getting you to heaven with 100 virgins lol
@Creepazoid ohh yeah.. No world of Warcraft virgins tho.. Eww..
I mean.. Only if it was someone of age and I’d consider dating on earth. If it were someone else and someone I didn’t care about? .. No.. Probably not. What good I’m I gonna do dead. Nothing.
And obviously I’m like the best guy so..
Heaven would mean anything that would keep you happy so I'm sure your virgins would meet your criteria
@Creepazoid I’m sure that be a lot of guys dream. Who knows for sure. We will find out someday tho. If not we probably get reincarnated.
Like.. Tgey should have thought of that.. Before I up and died for them.. That’s how it works.
I've have put my life at risk to help others and make them safe, but if I had died in the process, that is not sacrificing my life. That is taking a chance of great harm or death, to keep someone else from the same.
Before my wife cheated on me and left me, I don't know I'd hesitate for sure. Now it's hard enough not to jump in front of a bullet coming out of a gun that I pull the trigger on. Let alone having my death actually save someone else.
I wouldn't PLAN to because I don't want to leave my daughter without a mother. But in the heat of the moment, I can't imagine NOT attempting to save someone.
Every day for work I put on a badge and a gun and go out and try to help people. The other day I literally chased a guy across rooftops (Very Aladdin-esqe). So the answer is yes.
I never really found out why, but some people I know, myself included, have a sort of "savior instinct". I always help a complete stranger without even thinking about it, so I might "accidentally" save a persons life by throwing myself under the bus. No pun intended.
If it was a child i would in a heartbeat. But im not sure what id do for an adult.
I'd have to be in that situation to be sure but I think I'd do it for a child
I agree only for a child
In a minor way like giving them an extra uneaten sandwich if they are hungry - fine - in a big way - like risking my life - I would not do it - my parents would be very upset if I died.
Nooo they put jacks pic up :( i hate that hoe rose for letting him die. They couldve shared the door or took turns. I’d sacrfice myself for a stranger-kid but not a stranger-adult
Child or adult; doesn't matter, I will give time and effort for others. I will not sacrifice my life for others.
Risk myself, yes. Sacrifice myself, no. Basically if I see a way we can both get out of it I will risk it. If I see myself dead as a result of helping the stranger, no I won't.
Yep! I've went out of my way in the middle of the highway to pick up an injured women and call an ambulance... Child or Adult, I have no problem giving my life.
For a child or a baby yes I would, for an adult etc. It depends... just being honest...
No that's stupid and not fair for those in my life who depend on me. Even if it's currently no one
I would probably, and it’s a stupid choice, but whatever.
I would not. Because to me, my close people are more valuable.
But if i get a chance to help without getting affected, i will. Ofc its an exception in the case of children for me
Okay, so if the stranger was a child, I probably would sacrifice myself, an adult probably not, the elderly probably not either. They have lived their life.
Not sure i would. My son is due in a couple of months, i want to be there for him. I'd like to think i'd sacrafice myself for him
I hold a lot of value on human life there's not any amount of money in the world that can be put on a person's head because they're more important than that
If the situation called for it and others weren't at risk, yes.
For a child, definitely. I don't know about another adult though.
Yeah I would. I couldn’t stand anyone dying and I couldn’t live with myself if I let someone die.
But I need to stay for my boyfriend and my animals so I’m not sure.
I haven't been in a situation like that but I guess I would sacrifice myself.
Bcoz if I don't save him them I would live my whole life like a coward.
LoL.. Sure...
Most people I find do be worthless.
Anyone can say they would risk their own live for an other human but when it comes down to it a very few amount of people actually would. I have a feeling nobody on this app would.. you shouldn't feel bad if you don't think you wouldn't be able to
I meant if you don't think you'd be able to
It depends on the scenario.
There are some few people I would happily hand over a kidney for, but for the most part, I help where I can while attempting to set some boundaries to keep the needs of my immediate family provided for.
Not really, I figure it this way there a 90 percent probabilities they would NOT die for me.
I would yes if someone needed to take a stand to save someone I would take that stand exsply if it was a child
Yes, all life is precious. And I would do my part to protect others at any cost.
I would. Totally. I wish my mom and my brother could see that
I would risk my life for a stranger, but I wouldn't sacrifice myself for them.
No. I don't care about being a hero and fuck strangers.
I’d like to say yes but I also do not want to die. So I don’t know. I’d try my best to help them without getting us both killed though.
I would not. cause now days. way different bck did good friends existind now. mf kill u cause u thought he or she needed help. naw what he needed was u to get out of your MF car lol trueeee
If it's a baby or a child or someone with children i would
No I wouldn't. I don't care that much about others, especially if they're strangers.
No. There's an anegdote about a young boy being saved from drowning by a stranger. His name was Adolf.
People depend on me staying alive already so i do step in to help others, but i can't afford to put my life in danger.
Nope.. I dont like people that much.. Id do it for a dog
The only person I would ever give my life for in this whole world would be for Demi
yes, I have, but I wouldn't be stupid...
Yeah I would help a stranger if they where in danger
Nope, I would only give my life for family.
I'm a stranger as well and my life matters too.
Yes to a sensible person who deserves it
Ya I think i would, depending on the situation
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