Opening to the Spirit
Today’s word: Altruism
benefit of any kind. However what we do not take into account and what we cannot measure is the satisfaction we receive from giving. The enjoyment we receive from aiding others is not something that can be packaged, bought, sold off or in any other way commodified. How annoying! If it could be, we can be sure it would be marketed to us as one of the best it is possible to acquire.
A basic part of our human makeup is the rewarding feeling we get from helping others. Indeed altruism can be seen as one of the most selfish goals we can set for ourselves. If you are looking for a sense of wellbeing, it's better than a trip to the spa. If you are looking for a sense of purpose in life, it is better than hiring a life coach. If you are looking for something to get you over a depression, it's better than visiting a therapist. Find someone to help. Share your wisdom, your energy, your resources, your sense of humour or your affection with someone in trouble. You will reap a multitude of benefits. There are so many reasons it is better to give than receive. The benefits flow in both direction, to giver and receiver.
3) Altruism entered our vocabulary thanks to the French philosopher Auguste Compte, who first used it to describe the selflessness that is the opposite of egoism. Having a concern for the wellbeing of others lies at the heart of the world's religious traditions, though who is considered other varies widely according to other aspects of culture.
I grew up reading the stories of the saints. We children were encouraged to choose a patron saint whose life could serve as a model of ultimate goodness. By walking in the footsteps of a real human example, we might try on ways of doing good. Even now, when I hear stories of people who excel in their service to others, I invariably ask the question, "Would I be able to do the same?" Would I be able to go out into the streets of Calcutta and serve the poorest of the poor, the sick, the diseased and dying, with so little thought to my own wellbeing?"
Altruism is selfless compassion for others at its most heroic. I've heard it debated whether we humans are actually capable of altruism. Yet we read stories of humanitarians who exemplify greatness and generosity of spirit. We may even know someone whose acts of caring are beyond the ordinary. Every year many professions or service agencies celebrate with awards and citations those who commit acts of empathy and selflessness beyond reasonable expectations.
Evolutionists tell us we are hard-wired for empathy - it's how we've survived thus far. Compassion is at the root of all religions. What would an evolved human nature look like, where altruism was commonplace? I believe we're living in a time of widening the concept of other, to include larger and larger circles of caring.
4) My nephew, two years ago, was in CEGEP and feeling a bit restless. He had twice changed his course of study, after beginning in Pure and Applied Science. Nothing seemed to quite inspire him. He then decided to try an adventure. He went to Asia to teach in a refugee camp as part of the Mae Sot program. Those six months were life changing. He came back with a passion for helping make the world a better place. This new found altruism has led him to university to study international development.
When I hear the word “Altruism”, which means unselfish activism, I think of the Peace Corps, Cuso, (Canadian University Students Overseas) or the Katimavik Program, which sent young people across Canada to serve in small communities. Most of the young people I know, far from being the selfish Genxers people complain about, have a real passion for helping the world. We can learn much from them. When we foster initiatives, like the Mae Sot program, we are inspiring altruism.
Many years ago my father decided to join a cause called “Miles for Millions”. I was 14 years old and decided to join him with my friend named Gary. We walked (or ran sometimes in our case) for 25 miles through the streets of Sherbrooke. We finished about 5 o'clock, and waited for another hour for my Dad. I don't think I have ever been more exhausted, but it certainly was satisfying. I felt that I was helping create a brave new world. How do we live and promote altruism today, in our communities and in our children.
One word, four voices - now it's your turn: What is altruism?
Rev. Mead Baldwin pastors the Hatley, Waterville & North Hatley United Churches; Rev. Lynn Dillabough is now Rector of St. Paul's in Brockville ON. She continues to write for this column as a dedicated colleague with the Eastern Townships clergy writing team; Rev. Lee Ann Hogle ministers to the Ayer’s Cliff, Magog & Georgeville United Churches; Rev. Carole Martignacco pastors Uuestrie – the Unitarian Universalists in North Hatley.