Altruism – To Give or Not to Give
Many wax on about the virtues of altruism as if this philosophy of life is the “end all” in human relations. They decide it is better to give than receive. Now if they prefer giving to receiving that is their perfect right. For now, we won’t go into whether this is logical or not. What we must consider is the disastrous results that unhappily arrive when these same people turn altruism into a social philosophy—guaranteed and enforced by law.
Webster’s definition of altruism is: selfless regard for the well-being of others. A rationally selfish individual can discover the main flaw of altruism in its definition. Altruism is a philosophy of selflessness—the sacrifice of the individual.
Regard for the well-being of others
The rationally selfish individual desires to interact with his fellow humans by trading value for value. He prefers what Stephen Covey calls a “win-win” relationship.
The altruist believes in sacrifice and self-denial. Although he will deny it—he accomplishes what is called a win-lose exchange or relationship. The selfless person gives without receiving anything of value in return. Of course, in practice the one who advocates altruism is receiving benefits at the expense of others.
The rationally selfish individual respects the natural rights of others. He treats them as individuals he can trade value for value with. He respects an individual’s life, liberty and property. He advocates the social system of unhampered capitalism.
The altruist treats his fellow man as a sacrificial victim. He expects them to give and give without receiving anything in return. Since most people are rational enough not to voluntarily sacrifice their best interests—the altruist usually enlists the force of government to force these people to hand over their values. He has no regard for their life, liberty and property. He supports the predatory social systems of socialism and government interventionism.
To Give or Not to Give
The “giving” that is done under a social system based on altruism is dishonest and immoral. It is nothing but legalized theft. It is different when the giving is uncoerced.
Voluntarily giving to another person can have pleasurable psychological effects. You enjoy doing something for him or her. If you value this person the effect is one of intense joy. Even performing a favor for a stranger can be rewarding. Receiving the rewards of joy and pleasure is acquiring some of the highest values life has to offer.
First you must decide what your values are. You never purposely trade or sacrifice a higher value for a lower value. It is irrational to do so—and definitely not in your best interest.
I believe the main reason many people don’t experience joy in their giving is that they are sacrificing higher values for lower values. Their selfless giving actually causes them to become bitter, resentful people. Finally they develop an irrational hatred for the very people they are helping. Have you wondered why government bureaucrats seem so hateful at times?
Giving to others when you aren’t sacrificing higher values for lower values—results in you discovering joy and pleasure. You are a rationally selfish person in your giving.
If you’re sacrificing higher values for lower values or for none at all, giving to others is disastrous for all concerned. You have become an altruist who destroys values. You will never experience the supreme joy of your existence.
The solution to finding meaning in your existence is to become a rationally selfish individual. You celebrate life. The existence of an altruist is an unrewarding selfless experience. It is the anti-life.
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