Altruism and Acts of Kindness Random and Essay

Total Length: 733 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 2

Page 1 of 2

Altruism and Acts of Kindness

Random and anonymous acts of kindness are indeed, an excellent way to touch the lives of other people and hence, make the world a better place to live. All it takes to perform such acts is a simple intention. Such acts make you feel good; even contented and satisfied at times. I experienced the feeling last Christmas Eve. It was while standing in my kitchen making coffee that I noticed a lone figure stumbling through the cold, bare streets of the neighbourhood outside. It was an old tramp, a lonely homeless and undoubtedly hungry man.

My heart melted. So, I opened my kitchen window and called out to him for a cup of coffee. Though startled at first, he quickly rushed up to grab the steaming, hot cup of espresso I offered. I watched him as he gulped down cup after cup of coffee and stuffed the baked potatoes and lamb sandwiches I had set out for him into his pockets. He smiled when he was done and left, muttering words I failed to understand. As I watched him disappear into the darkness, my heart ached for this lonely man and his hunger for both food and company at a time like Christmas when most people get to relax in their homes with delicious treats and their loved ones close by.

Altruism and Psychology

What is it that made me help that tramp? What is that makes us commit such acts of kindness? There has been a constant debate between those who believe it is due to altruism, the feeling of being concerned for others and those who suggest it is due to egoism where any act done is ultimately to benefit themselves.

Stuck Writing Your "Altruism and Acts of Kindness Random And" Essay?

This is because most psychologists like Daniel Batson find it easy to rationalise egoism than altruism, calling it the easiest explanation (Batson, 2002, p. 486). But studies and experiments have shown that altruism is alive and it is what promotes the positive emotions in our society as concluded by Sonja Lyubomirsky (Lyubomirsky et al., 2004).

What is good about altruism?

Generally, altruism makes people happy. The feeling of contentment and satisfaction you get from helping out others is….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Altruism And Acts Of Kindness Random And" (2012, June 12) Retrieved May 16, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/altruism-acts-kindness-random-80571

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Altruism And Acts Of Kindness Random And" 12 June 2012. Web.16 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/altruism-acts-kindness-random-80571>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Altruism And Acts Of Kindness Random And", 12 June 2012, Accessed.16 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/altruism-acts-kindness-random-80571