Altruism

We have had many scientists research altruism and the core of altruism. In one article[1], Bernd Heinrich, PhD, was puzzled by a group of ravens gathering together to eat a deceased moose. Ecologically speaking, food would be defended and not shared. Jeff Stevens, PhD, however proved that this selfless act was not so selfless after all. The flock consisted of juvenile ravens that came across an adult ravens’ territory. The adult allowed them to stay, because it would fend off other adult ravens that would fight for the territory. They state that “true altruism” is not very common and wouldn’t make sense – biologically – for that to happen; however, they note that “most examples of altruism involve kin,” because they are “acting in the interest of their genes, if not their own lives.” Taking a second glance, though, if we are looking after our own kin…acting in the interest of our genes…wanting to continue the family line…isn’t that selfishly motivated?

In another blurb[2], on BigThink.com, Stephen Post talks about group altruism literally paying. Where at one failing dealership, the group took afternoons off unpaid and everyone kept their jobs. At another dealership, people didn’t stay with the group mentality and many were let go. Yet, that point in itself is contradictory, because this group altruistic motivator was founded on a selfishly made reason…to keep their jobs.

George R. Price is one figure that commonly referenced to when discussing altruism. He contributed to science in various ways, but, towards the latter portion of his life, he devoted his time to prove or disprove altruism. Some acknowledge him as a genuine altruist…ministering to the poor and needy. He was giving of his house to the homeless and, at times, had to sleep in his office or on the floor due to the amount of people living in his home. Eventually, due to construction, he was thrown out of his home. Depression hit and unable to prove his theory, Price committed suicide in 1975. Oren Harman wrote an account of Price’s history in “The Price of Altruism: George Price and the Search for the Origins of Human Kindness.” I have yet to read this book, but I have it in my Kindle list.

My brother turned me on to Price’s story of altruism. My brother stating that altruism doesn’t exist and for those who try will literally die from being altruistic…and he uses Price as an example. However, with the knowledge I have at the moment, was Price really a representative of altruism? He, in an attempt to prove his theory, practiced altruistic stances. He practiced giving and helping to prove his theory right or wrong. The whole premise itself derives from an egocentric standpoint. He wanted to prove his theory; thereby, any actions taken were done for his theory and not out of selflessness.

I would like to believe in altruism. I would like to believe that there is a selfless kindness out in the world. As I get older, I’ve become more realistic. I do believe in kindness. I believe in good and bad karma. I believe there is such a thing as soul mates and true love. I know there is good in the world. At the same time, I have come to learn that you give some and you take some. What you do does not exist unless it is known to others. Ultimately, you give to get. Ayn Rand stated, “If any civilization is to survive, it is the morality of altruism that men have to reject.” Even the great Richard Dawkins acknowledges human selfishness by stating, “Let us try to teach generosity and altruism, because we are born selfish.” We have definitively discovered through scientific studies that “there’s no such thing as altruism.”[3]

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[1] Dingfelder, Sadie. “Altruism: an accident of nature?” Copyright 2006.  Accessed 20 July 2014. http://www.apa.org/monitor/dec06/altruism.aspx

[2] Post, Stephen. “Group Altruism Pays, Literally.” Copyright 2013. Accessed 20 July 2014. http://bigthink.com/60-second-reads/group-altruism-pays-literally

[3] Andrew Tobias. “Brainy Quote: Altruism” Copyright 2014. Accessed 20 July 2014. http://www.branyquote.com/quotes/keywords/altruism.html

Love

I like Bob Marley’s quote on love. I like Bob Marley. His talents, words, legacy can provide much food for thought. If you have the time, I recommend you view a short (28 second) interview on the definition of “Rich” by Bob Marley. It is an eye-opener, but that’s not what I’m here for today…

For a short period, I worked in a youth group home. I worked with youths considered at-risk and the youths that required a halfway-home between juvie and family living. At one point, I met a young girl…very wise for her age of 13. Well, most of them were much wiser than what people gave them credit for…but I digress. She had a crush on a boy and the girls were nudging her to make the move, but she knew he wasn’t her soul mate. Instead, she made a card – with the other girls help – that read, “I’m falling in-like with you.”

I believe many people abuse the word “love.” Love is referenced to a strong emotional attraction. Is it really possible to LOVE more than one person or do we only have one soul mate that defines love and we are unaware of its true meaning until we find that soul mate?

At the same time, in the Catholic doctrine of virtues, one of the three theological virtues includes charity…it is also one of the greatest virtues. As we dig deeper, it discusses a love of God and the love of our neighbor. We can further discuss the main characteristics of charity (love). (1) The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts. (2) It is in the human will to love. Love can be intensely emotional, but it still exists in in the rational will. Rational will being a conscious choice of means to a specific end. (3) The specific act to honor God is to grant benevolence and friendship unto others. (4) We have the motive as the Divine goodness or amiability taken absolutely and as made known to us by faith. This act is altruistic and performed as a good in itself. (5) The range being between God and man…following the supernatural love.

Love.

Perhaps, we don’t abuse the word “love,” but simplify it to its emotional intrinsic value. Perhaps we need to look deeper within our individual faiths to find its selfless value. The decisions we make are self-sacrificing in the name of our individual higher power. We put out good karma for the good of human nature. We help support others in their endeavors for the good of human kind. Perhaps it isn’t until we recognize what altruistic love is when we can truly love another person.

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1) New Advent. “Love (Theological Virtue).” Copyright 2012. 10 July 2014. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09397a.htm

Love Quotes

Love.

What is love?

…don’t hurt me.

…don’t hurt me, no more.

 

At least, that’s the first thing that comes into my mind when I think of the word love. Haddaway’s one hit wonder. Then, of course, I think of Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan in the “Roxbury” SNL sketches. I googled “love” and found many sites. There are sites with quotes, sites with pictures, definitions of love, how to guides…it’s insane…this obsession with love.

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I want to share a few quotes I found on love from GoodReads:

“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and – at times – hard to handle…but if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.” Marilyn Monroe

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep, because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.” Bob Marley

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I hope to see you July 10^th…

Mistakes

“In the end, we must all answer for our mistakes.”

 

...words uttered by my grandmother during a heated discussion with my mom. It has become painfully apparent that, after my grandfather’s death, I am now the black sheep on both sides of the family. It is even clearer that those words were directed towards me rather than my older cousin.

 

The actual history between my cousin and I shall be saved for another time. What I would like to discuss is a bigger picture. “With what does God concern himself?” What are the mistakes we must confess and serve penitence? Indeed, this is an age-old question in which the answers vary from each religious sect and each individual person.

 

My grandmother raised me to believe in Catholicism…in the Saints. My mom raised me to have a strong faith in God…in Christianity. Events in my past led me to create my own deeper faith in God – in a higher power – and what my purpose in life is…or should be.

 

With that said, let us go back to my grandmother’s words…

 

“In the end, we must all answer for our mistakes.”

 

Granted, the obvious answer for my mistake would be pride. Simply for the reason that, at this point in my life, I believe I have no mistake to apologize for. I believe that God would not look down on me and tell me that I will not enter those pearly gates of Heaven. I understand we have our religious sects dictating virtues and vices, but to what extent does the almighty God judge us? We all have our moments of weakness, but is that what He counts against us? I think not.

 

I believe we have a purpose in life. If we follow the word of God and spread the gifts that He provided us – the talents within each individual – we need not ask for forgiveness, because we have served His intent. Even through our vices, we use our experience, our struggles, to help others in their time of need. We send out the word of our higher power, be it Buddha, God, or Muhammad, so on. We send out positivity and productivity into the world. It is in that way, we can further our progression in humanity. We do not judge or condemn those of different views, but we assist them in contributing to a bigger picture. The need to progress…the need to educate…the need to stay positive in a dreary state…this is the bigger picture and this is what we work towards.

 

If we use these gifts from our higher power, if we reach out to help others learn and work to achieve their goals…we need not ask for forgiveness from our small misdeeds. We can stand proud and say, “I have listened to your word and shared my talents to help build this world you made.” In the end, we can state, “I have helped many and harmed no one.”