Do you think people can do things purely out of the goodness of their hearts?

[Anonymous]

So I heard this debate that there is no such thing as someone being kind or selfless unless it has some gain to them. Meaning there's no such thing as a truly selfless act because humans are selfish by nature and it is impossible to do a selfless act purely for the other person's benefit/wellbeing.

I don't think this is true. I genuinely think that people can unhesitatantly do something for someone else because they recognize the person needs the help. I think we are self-centered in general but not narcissists, and it doesn't take much brainpower to realize when someone else needs help and how that can be achieved.

But what do you think? Do you think there is such thing as a truly selfless, non-transactional act?

[jshm2]

What you heard in that "debate" was a cynical asshole, and you can safely dismiss them out of hand as they were wrong.

Charities exist, as does philanthropy, altruism, and many other selfless acts. Hence they rise and fall at the first step, as it's clearly not "nature". Their claim as such was fallacious and an overgeneralisation.

Also, regardless of the selfless acts pretences, be it tax write offs, good PR etc, there cannot be a valid doubt on the acts ripple effect. The good from it will always be far reaching compared to what little short term benefit may be to the giver.

[NamerOfStars]

"The key to strategy, little Vor, is not to choose a path to victory, but to choose so that all paths lead to a victory". It is very uncommon, even in the simplest and most immediate tasks, for a person to have only one reason for doing something. If nothing else, there's an endorphin rush that comes from knowing you've helped make someone's day better. Would you exclude that?

If so, then it's probably impossible; if not, then sure.

[dustybiker]

Humans are not solid and fixed. We are influenced by bad days, bad experiences, minor irritations like a headache and that influence all filters down to choice in a moment.

I think “goodness of heart” is reliant, even with the kindest people, on lucky timing.

[FilmGuy93]

People can and do absolutely do things out of the pure goodness in their hearts.

[LiamJHayden]

Nope. I think even the most seemingly altruistic act is at least in some part self-serving, even if it only to feel good about oneself.

[Anonymous]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Vhp65bgKOo

This kind of example it.

[Danny_dan92]

Some. But not all

[Anonymous]

Yes.