.104 - the selfless act.

[krickets]

I was having this strangely philosophical conversation with slybrunette last night, and I brought up the topic of "selfess acts". I've had this conversation with many a'friend in the past, and the answer they give me is pretty much universally the same.

No, there is no such thing as a truly selfless act.

This baffles me because I tend to believe the opposite. That selfless acts do exist. I know it's my [annoying] optimism and my wish to see the good in people that causes me to believe in the selfless act, but of all the conversations I've had about this, I can't remember one person ever coming to that same conclusion.

So what do you think, flist?
[Feel free to link others to the poll, I'm quite curious!]

[Poll #1570039]

I'd love to hear your explanations in the comments!

Comments

[turquoisetumult.livejournal.com]

RE: Ned. Well, it's Pushing Daisies, so the characters aren't the most complex known to man. Which I love. Makes it all the more funner. :)

RE: Marriage. I see your point about how one singular motive can push the action, but I still think that even in marriage there's more to it than love. You may love someone entirely, but maybe (s)he isn't stable or maybe there are other complications that would deter a marriage.

RE: El Salvadorian neighbors. Yep, I see your point about the good-feeling came as a side effect and not as an intention. And I think that's a good point to bring up when people argue that even the good-feeling is a form of self-rewarding/self-pleasure/selfishness.

I also think it has to do with the individual as well and that applying these theories to a population of 6 billion is impossible. I know I lack motivation and although I'd like to be generous with my time and efforts, I rarely get out of my house, nevermind help people who need it unless I am otherwise asked/coerced to.