Is there such a thing as a truly selfless act?

[HawkPerception]

Considering the psychological and emotional rewards we receive from helping others, can any action be completely devoid of self-interest?

Yes

No

[NamerOfStars]

Given the inherently interconnected nature of the universe, can it really be said that there's truly anything BEYOND the self? Human society, like everything else in the universe, has a nature that emerges from the bottom up, created by the metarealities surrounding its creation. But as an intelligent life form, we're uniquely positioned to understand the further impacts that our actions have. Promoting generosity and kindliness don't just help those we do them to, but reshape (cumulatively) the society, and even the world, in which we live.

[exitseven]

No, people do everything for selfish reasons. Even Mother Theresa did everything for her own selfish teasons

[exitseven]

Thanks for the MHO

[AviatorTom]

Yes, there are many.

One example is a parent jumping in front of a bus or truck to save their child, knowing that they will probably die when struck.

Emergency responders commit selfless acts all the time. Firefighters running into a burning building to save the contents. Policemen putting their lives at risk to save a hostage. Rescuers digging into the rubble of a collapsed building.

[HawkPerception]

Isn't that due to their own desire of leaving their mark on the world? If a parent sacrifices themselves for their child, it could be for a number of reasons. They could want their bloodline to continue for generations, and their child is the best chance of that happening. It could be that they didn't want all the time and effort they spent into raising them to go to waste. It could be they wanted their child to see them as a martyr and good parent. And many more reasons.

[on_my_knees]

Selflessness is true to our nature. If you were a strong swimmer and saw a man drowning in a lake, you could jump into the water and save him instinctively, even though there is nothing psychologically or emotionally pleasing about jumping into a lake when you had no plans for swimming that day. Nor do you have time to consider how fulfilled you will be, or the man could drown by the time you deliberate the consequence of your actions.

[DishLady]

Yes. An action that’s instinctively done to protect another person is selfless bc the one acting is often risking their lives, the jobs, their reputation, etc to protect or defend someone else.

[Dargil]

Even a selfless act must have a positive incentive for the giver.

[Twalli]

I help others because I know they need it, of course it makes me feel better doing it, but I don't think of that when I do so.

[Dongie]

It seems so but I said no.