Can anyone be truly altruistic? Me thinks, it is impossible.
It is defined as selfless concern for the welfare of others.
A lady on the train gives up her seat to the pregnant one. She didn't do it spontaneously, she did it because 3 pairs of eyes were boring into her and I think that made her uncomfortable.
There are times when I think that I would rather not sit at all, 'just let someone else have it'. That's not being altruistic, I 'm just avoiding the hassle of relaxing and then having to give it up to someone.
Is it possible in this day and age to be kind for kindness sake. Morality and courtesy are preached as correct and appropriate behaviour. Is there an expectation of future returns as they say 'one good turn deserves another'. We constantly seem to look ahead.
When I buy someone a cup of tea, do they feel obliged, do I expect them to feel obliged?
When someone buys me a cup of tea, I do feel obliged. Can I forget it, and treat it as an altruistic offer ?.