What Is Altruism?

What Is Altruism?

Altruism is the unselfish concern for other people—doing things simply out of a desire to help, not because you feel obligated to out of duty, loyalty, or religious reasons. It involves acting out of concern for the well-being of other people. 

In some cases, these acts of altruism lead people to jeopardize themselves to help others. Such behaviors are often performed unselfishly and without any expectations of reward. Other instances, known as reciprocal altruism, involve taking actions to help others with the expectation that they will offer help in return.¹

Examples of Altruism

Everyday life is filled with small acts of altruism, from holding the door for strangers to giving money to people in need. News stories often focus on grander cases of altruism, such as a man who dives into an icy river to rescue a drowning stranger or a donor who gives thousands of dollars to a local charity.

Some examples of altruism include:

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  Doing something to help another person with no expectation of reward
  
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  Forgoing things that may bring personal benefits if they create costs for others
  
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  Helping someone despite personal costs or risks
  
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  Sharing resources even in the face of scarcity
  
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  Showing concern for someone else's well-being
  

Types of Altruism

Psychologists have identified several different types of altruistic behavior. These include:

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