Altruism

Meaning of Altruism ~ showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others.

Does people do good because they are really kind souls? Or because they truly want others to be happier? Or because they just want to feel happier themselves? Or because they want to lessen their guilt? Most of the time, there is no true altruism...

After all, it seems to be, people do good because they simply want themselves to feel good, whether consciously or unconsciously. They are in search of this inner peace of wanting to do good and that's why they do good. Thus, I feel that is not the true spirit of altruism.

Of course, I believe there are people who generally do good, because they genuinely want others to feel happier and be better off. But the 'by-product' of such actions is the self-recognition of self-worth and therefore the gush of happiness and satisfaction for oneself.

Since there is no true true altruism, then why the word 'altruism'? Maybe the existence of 'altruism' is to express the lack of it...

On the other hand, doing good will definitely bring about more 'goodness' to the society for both the parties. Inner peace for the benefactor, and hopes for the beneficiary. As long as the society benefits, why not, continuing with your good deeds...