RE: altruism

["David McDonald" <dbmcdonald@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Among other refutations, people dive in rivers all the time to save drowning
people who are unknown and unrelated to them, putting their own lives at
risk and often losing them. This is textbook, dictionary altruism.

Leaving this aside, people CONSTANTLY act against their own perceived best
interests. There is a mighty disconnect between what people perceive to be
their best interests and what provides them the greatest satisfaction.
Consider addictions. Surely you have one, I know I have several.

If people did what is good for them, there would be little great art, drama,
gnashing of teeth and fun.

David McDonald

-----Original Message-----
[mailto:owner-marxism@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of jack tobin
Sent: Sunday, August 17, 2003 6:16 PM
To: marxmail
Subject: altruism

there is no such thing as altruism as it is defined in the dictionary.  the
human animal is incapable of acting against its perceived best interests.
it can only do what provides it the greatest satisfaction.  thus, the one
who "sacrifices" him/herself for the good of another does so because that
"sacrifice" affords him/her the greatest reward.

jack tobin