Altruism

To understand “Why People are Altruistic.” We must learn “Where did it comes from?” and “ What does it mean?” Altruistic or altruism is a concept in psychology and philosophy developed from a French Philosopher Auguste Comte. Comte laid claim to the French word altruisme, basing it on autrui meaning other person. Altruism means any behavior that is kind, generous and helpful to others. People are not likely to read about altruism in a newspaper, but …

…those who have learned to experience empathy-- the ability to feel the mental and emotional state of another person as if they were one’s own. Having altruistic parents or other models to imitate and identify with also plays a part. Whether altruism is or is not a basic and innate human trait, there seems to be a little doubt that it can at least be encouraged or discouraged by learning and by social influence.