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" We are the only beings that I know of that will knowingly risk that very existence, going against that imperative, for any number of causes."
I would suggest that even when humans commit a seeming altruistic act, they may be merely responding to an inbuilt survival impulse. Man is a social animal and over an extended period, the many acts of helping each other will contribute to the ultimate survival of the group. Loss of life will occur, but the overall result will be a positive one for survival. So such acts may not really be going against the imperative.
" We are the only beings that I know of that will knowingly risk that very existence, going against that imperative, for any number of causes."
I would suggest that even when humans commit a seeming altruistic act, they may be merely responding to an inbuilt survival impulse. Man is a social animal and over an extended period, the many acts of helping each other will contribute to the ultimate survival of the group. Loss of life will occur, but the overall result will be a positive one for survival. So such acts may not really be going against the imperative.