Altruism is, by definition, an ideal. An ideal is something which can never be reached.
The theory of cause and effect paired with the law of equal and opposite reactions simply negates any possibility of its existence.
No matter the mindset of the individual performing the deed, they will receive something in return - whether good or bad, wanted or not, for better or worse.
One example is a philanthropist. They give large quantities of money away and in return receive thanks and gratitude, or resent, or neutral feelings, etc. To be altruistic requires that you receive absolutely nothing in return for your action. You could specify the definition to move away from an ideal, but the ideal still remains impossible.
I'd be glad to discuss the term further.
The theory of cause and effect paired with the law of equal and opposite reactions simply negates any possibility of its existence.
No matter the mindset of the individual performing the deed, they will receive something in return - whether good or bad, wanted or not, for better or worse.
One example is a philanthropist. They give large quantities of money away and in return receive thanks and gratitude, or resent, or neutral feelings, etc. To be altruistic requires that you receive absolutely nothing in return for your action. You could specify the definition to move away from an ideal, but the ideal still remains impossible.
I'd be glad to discuss the term further.
Brevity is the soul of wit.
