Altruism is when people act for the well-being or happiness of others without expecting a reward. It’s a recognized phenomenon in humans but has been observed to some degree in other species, such as monkeys and insects. Altruism is also known as selflessness, and it’s a valued trait in many cultures. In this article, we’ll explore the definition of altruism, five facts everyone should know, and examples of altruistic behaviors.
Altruism is a selfless, voluntary action typically driven by compassion or empathy for others. There are several forms of altruism, which are performed without an expectation of personal gain or recognition.
What is altruism and where does it come from?
When people perform selfless acts for the benefit of others, they’re engaging in altruism.
The origins of altruism could be rooted in human evolution. Because we’re a social species, we do best when living in close community with others. Caring for each other is proven to strengthen relationships and reduce conflict, so by behaving altruistically, ancient humans improved their communities’ chances of long-term health and survival. This biology-driven theory of altruism is just one of many theories, as altruism has been studied in other fields such as science, philosophy, sociology and so on.
The term “altruism” was likely coined by Auguste Comte, a French philosopher who is often called “the father of sociology.” Born in the late 18th century, Comte developed the theory of “positive philosophy,” which posited that a combination of logic, math and sensory experiences could help people understand human relationships and behavior. For Comte, altruism, which he defined as “living for others,” was a vital part of living an ethical life and creating a good world. Empathy and altruism are not the same. While empathy often leads to altruism, it’s a cognitive and emotional trait. Altruism refers to behavior. Altruism can also be motivated by a sense of moral duty or a desire to serve the greater good; people don’t need to feel empathy to be altruistic.
What should everyone know about altruism?
Altruism is a simultaneously fascinating and bewildering phenomenon that philosophers, scientists, sociologists and others have studied for years. Here are the five facts everyone should know:
#1. There are different types of altruism
At its core, altruism is about doing good things without expecting a reward, but there are different types. Experts have identified four main categories: kin, reciprocal, cultural group and pure. Kin altruism is directed toward family members and friends, and while there’s no guaranteed benefit, it often occurs because tight-knit communities frequently help each other. Reciprocal altruism is similar as it consists of trading altruistic acts back and forth. You help someone, but there’s an understanding that they are likely to help you in return at some point. Cultural group altruism is altruism that occurs within the same ethnic and/or social groups, while pure altruism is performed knowing there’s no benefit to yourself.
You may have heard the term “effective altruism” floating around, but what does it mean? Read our article to learn more.
#2. There are benefits to altruism
Altruism refers to actions done without expectation of reward or praise, but there are benefits to seemingly “selfless” acts. According to research, altruistic feelings and behaviors are connected to greater well-being, better health and a longer life. There are a handful of reasons, such as stronger community ties. When people are altruistic, they bond better with others, which has been shown time and time again to improve mental and even physical health. Research also shows that helping others releases chemicals like dopamine and serotonin in the brain. This phenomenon is called “the helper’s high.”
#3. Animals can exhibit altruistic behaviors (but there’s a catch)
Scientists have studied animals for years trying to learn how (and if) altruism occurs outside of the human species. There has been some evidence, especially for animals within the same groups. As an example, insects like ants and bees frequently sacrifice their lives for members of the colony. However, as an article in the Guardian explains, these creatures are most likely not driven by empathy or compassion. They have an evolutionary drive to protect the colony, and if sacrificing themselves accomplishes that, they’ll do it without any emotion attached to the action. Therefore, while altruism is present in other species, human altruism seems to be distinct.
#4. Altruism may be contagious
Does the altruism of one person make a difference? It does for that specific situation, but research suggests helping others is contagious. This is because humans influence each other, and seeing someone else act generously encourages others to do the same. According to one study, a single act of kindness tripled in value because others gave more afterward. In the long term, altruism becomes more normalized, and because humans naturally want to live in connection and community with one another, altruism can become a societal norm.
Participating in Giving Tuesday, which is celebrated on the first Tuesday after American Thanksgiving, is a good way to practice altruism. Check out our article to learn more.
#5. Some people think there’s no such thing as true altruism
If altruism has so many benefits and serves a biological need for connection and community, can altruism really exist? Some philosophers and psychologists believe there is no such thing as “true” altruism because, at the very least, your brain rewards you. However, a person’s intent should matter, as well. If you aim to help others without expecting a reward, the act shouldn’t stop being altruistic because of a chemical reaction you can’t control. It’s also extremely challenging to fully understand a person’s motives when they do something nice for others. Even those who act altruistically may never know their true motivations. The question of whether true altruism is real is an enduring mystery.
Loading ...I’m not sure if true altruism is real or not
What are examples of altruism?
People can engage in acts of altruism every day, often without thinking about it, while there are larger acts of altruism that take intention. Here are seven examples of small and larger altruistic acts:
#1. Letting someone cut in front of you in line
When you’re waiting in line at a store to buy an item, someone may ask if they can go ahead of you. It could be because they have fewer items than you or they’re running late for something important. Letting them cut in line without any expectations of reward is an altruistic act. If they need to leave the store quickly because of an appointment or an emergency, you’re demonstrating empathy and compassion for their situation. If they just have fewer items, letting them go first is simply a nice thing to do.
#2. Picking up trash in a park
Neighborhood parks can accumulate a lot of trash, especially after big events like holidays or concerts. Taking the time to pick up trash without prompting is altruistic because you aren’t being paid or formerly recognized for your work. You may technically experience a reward (you don’t have to look at the trash anymore), but trash pick-up is a community service everyone benefits from.
#3. Giving money to a charitable organization
Donating money to charity is a classic example of altruism. You aren’t expecting that money back, and depending on how much you give, you’re also selflessly sacrificing something you could have bought with that money. Donating money prioritizes the wants and needs of others.
#4. Volunteering
Financial donations are a common form of altruism, but many people also volunteer their time. It can be done on a regular basis or just once or twice a year. Countless organizations benefit from people volunteering, and because there’s no payment exchanged, volunteering can be altruistic.
#5. Donating blood
According to the American Red Cross, blood donations are used for patients needing surgery, cancer treatments and transfusions after traumatic blood loss. Around 6.8 million people in the US give blood, which adds up to around 13.6 million units. These donors aren’t paid, which means that giving blood is altruistic. This makes it different from plasma donation, which donors are typically paid for. Because there’s a mutual benefit to plasma donation (and many people only donate for the cash), it isn’t altruistic. Blood donation is.
#6. Donating an organ
According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, there are over 100,000 people on the United States’ organ transplant waiting list. However, buying organs is illegal, which means these people depend on others to donate organs. There’s donation after life, but some organs (or parts of organs) can be given from living donors. When living donors give, they’re engaging in a risky and deeply altruistic act.
#7. Putting yourself in harm’s way for someone else’s safety
Everyone has done something altruistic at one point in their life, but some people put their own lives at risk. According to an article from Vox, risking your safety for someone else (especially a stranger) is known as “extreme altruism.” Research suggests these people have unique neurological characteristics. Their empathy could be significantly greater than most people. In one study based on interviews with people who won the Carnegie Hero medal, which is an award given to those who risk their lives for others, researchers found most of the award winners acted without thinking. The decision to risk their lives wasn’t something they thought through; they simply did it.
