Years ago, in a story-telling course I took in college, the instructor asked the class a question that resonated so strongly with me that I continue to ponder it to this day.
Is it possible to do anything that is completely, 100% altruistic?
The class was divided on the answer, as you might expect. My 21-year-old bleeding liberal heart at the time thought, "Of course!"
After a couple of decades more of life experience, my response is now far more nuanced.
I can't say I know a definitive answer, yet in my heart of hearts, I don't think it's possible. However, I like to believe humans, somehow, in some way, are capable of it.
I don't know if I am personally capable of it, but if I were to take a stab at it, I would start with something from this simple list.
Is it possible to do anything that is completely, 100% altruistic?
The class was divided on the answer, as you might expect. My 21-year-old bleeding liberal heart at the time thought, "Of course!"
After a couple of decades more of life experience, my response is now far more nuanced.
I can't say I know a definitive answer, yet in my heart of hearts, I don't think it's possible. However, I like to believe humans, somehow, in some way, are capable of it.
I don't know if I am personally capable of it, but if I were to take a stab at it, I would start with something from this simple list.
1. My time.
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