Do you ever go out of your way to do something for someone else, regardless of whether they appreciate it or not. You simply do it because of how you know you’re going to feel about it at the end of it all.
Even if said ‘act of selflessness’ backfires, do you do favours anyway?
I have on many occasion done so, and on many occasions it has gone south, but I do it anyway because it feels like the right thing to do.
I don’t really understand how an act of kindness can go south?
In my line of work, I’m required to perform selfless acts for people all the time, and mostly without even a simple thank you. That 1 “thank you” after 10-20 people helped makes it worth it.
So true, I service many users a day. Like a doctor, I am usually only phoned when something computer related does not work. Sometimes it’s a quick fix and sometimes it may take a while to accomplish.
Being a Christian I am called to do selfless acts all the time, to remain calm, show love and be thankful. I am also required to give without ceasing and not to expect anything in return.
When and where I can, I always try to pay it forward.
I don’t believe that true selflessness exists. EVERYTHING we do, is only done because we think we can get something out of it, whether it’s feeling good about it, not getting into trouble, hoping it will make people like you, or for some kind of eternal reward, etc.
There are many times ive helped other people, but its not something i see as selfless, everyone should try do their part
I used to. Now I am selective of who I do favours for. Generally good friends or family.
Now Im the ultimate “NO MAN”. I found that saying yes to a lot of things was causing me anger and time lost on crap instead of my own interests or problems or people’s dear to me problems.
Also what MetalSoup said, it’s very true. Alot of the times you just dont want to be an ass or want to avoid feeling guilty. So you do the task but with a hint of annoyance. that’s no good.
I will go out of my way to help people whether I know them personally or not.
But once you have wronged my family or myself in some way, regardless of who you are to or of me, then you will never receive an ounce of effort from my side ever again.
I normally go out of my way when i do something for someone even something basic, and the reason for that is when someone does something for me i dont want it to be half hearted and i expect from them the same amount of effort, quality of work or time i put in. the big problem or issue in life is when you do something selfless/free out of the goodwill of your heart once for someone, then people expect you to constantly do it for them.
Another question is:
Is ‘the act of selflessness’ done with sincerity; no strings attached, no personal gain and no acknowledgement?
Most people do it with in the intention that it will be paid forward, (be the change you want to see in the world etc). But most people are dicks and won’t do that.
There are people like that but also people that do have strings attached, personal gain, etc. That’s just humanity I suppose.
I’m an asshole…
I was going to post something similar, feeling good about it means its a reward and hence not selfless.
But yes I try not to be a complete asshole, my growing lack of faith in humanity is not helping
I guess that depends on how I feel at the time.