Absolutely Unselfish Acts

[Supersour]

Who here believes that a human can commit an absolutely unselfish act?

[Supersour]

Elaborate?

Haven’t talked to you before/much. I like your DP =P

[McFood]

Well, in someone's dying moments, then I suppose it would be possible to do something unselfish. But then that brings up the question of whether or not they're doing it to help the other person, etc., or just to get into heaven.

DP? *feels dumb*.

[Supersour]

But then they're dying in peace.

Display Picture. DX Why don't American's know this one?

[McFood]

Right, which could be considered a reward. But isn't the fact that doing something for others provides a reward shows that humans are unselfish because we're programmed - so to speak - to feel good as a result?

Ah. Thank you.

[Supersour]

Or is it that we're programmed to feel good as a result of not feeling guilty?

[McFood]

Could be either one. I think it's mostly relief; humans at one point probably feared that they would be punished as a result of being selfish, and now we're stuck with the instinct. *shrugs*.

[Supersour]

Fear from society itself, probably. Mass indoctrination.

[Fate]

I don't think someone can do something with absolutely no motive. Even churches doing charity events do it because they think they'll get into Heaven. Suicide bombers are risking their lives for their country to become heroes or whatever BS their government is spewing. Hell, the only reason I do community service is because it's required for school and looks good on a college application.

[Supersour]

So you’re excluding ‘good feelings’ from the benefits category? In other words, we do nice things to get tangible rewards.

[Fate]

It is a benefit, just not one I needed to list. I'm simply saying that most things people do, they do with motive.

[Supersour]

Most things? So there's an exclusion?

[Fate]

Hmmm... I'm sure there is one, but not that I can think of. I dislike saying "all things." Too inclusive.