Erica Collier: 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]

Erica Collier

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Altruism

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