Altruism is the result of evolution in humans who sank or swam depending on their ability to get along together. It is a product of the collaborative interaction of people trying to cope with the uncertainties of a changing world. It is a mutually cooperative behavior among humans as they strive to maintain a bio-psycho-socioeconomic equilibrium in their lives. It is an evolutionary mechanism promoting the survival of everyone, so that no one is left behind. It promotes the inclusive fitness of mankind as a whole species. 

Altruism is defined as benevolent actions that help others in their hour of need, actions that are without ulterior motive or delayed benefit of any kind. It is present in the action of helpers who invest in the survival and wellness of others, aiding the lame and unfortunate into becoming whole and productive again.

Thus Altruism can also be thought of as a mutualistic system in which people donate surplus of food, money and/or property to a communal pool as insurance/a safety net/a fund of benevolence to draw from in times of uncertainty or need such as when, for instance, large numbers of people suddenly lose their jobs/retirement funds and become homeless through no fault of their own.

Homelessness does affect a large number of people suddenly and thus involves a slide toward poverty and despair. This ongoing economic dislocation is due to a number of reasons such as the mechanization of agriculture during which many peasants lost their livelihood and were forced to relocate to cities in search of employment, the shifting of heavy industry, the shrinking pool of unskilled entry-level job openings, the growing sophistication and knowledge required by today’s labor market, etc…

Being unemployed is quite dangerous for human beings because of their vulnerability to income loss, inability to maintain rent or mortgage payments, subsequent homelessness, hunger, alcoholism, substance abuse, depression, crime, homicide and/or s uicide. Thus, it is a social and moral imperative for everyone to guide the unfortunate back to employability/self-sufficiency/affordable housing so that they may rejoin society as salvaged/redeemed/employed/ self-sufficient/productive citizens once again.

Altruism puts an emphasis on human recovery/empowerment/enhancement/evolution. That emphasis is also put on being fully responsible for one's own life, for the well-being of one's fellow humans and for the wellness of the planet on which we all live. 

The Altruist knows that the gift of wellness is the ultimate charitable contribution one human can make to another. The following are four examples of Altruism at its purest, noblest, most disinterested form:

·        Infant adoption

·        Blood donation

·        Helping a fellow human who is down on his luck

·        Ministering to others

Altruism is a selfless behavior which is born out of empathy, a concern for others. Empathy is the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to another person's situation, feelings, emotional state and motives. It is the experience of distress in response to the discomfort of another.  Altruism is facilitated by a kind of empathic state. One way in which this empathic state occurs is by mentally changing places with the sufferer, so that we come to either conceive or be affected by what he feels. On such occasions, human beings experience a sense of community, a feeling of oneness with their fellows. Thus when we see another person suffer, we are liable to feel empathic distress. Unconsciously seeking relief, we then reduce our empathic tension by helping the person. So then, altruism is experienced as an empathic tension which motivates action on behalf of a fellow human who is in distress.

Altruism is a culture that includes taking into account the common good, thereby justifying one’s deliberate/voluntary acts of kindness towards (helping) others. It is a system of thought and conduct with an eye toward the benefit of mankind as a whole. It is a path of practice and spiritual development that ultimately culminates in socio/cultural/spiritual evolution.

Altruism is the expression of a religious form which holds the promise of a better Self for one adept, and the promise of a better world for all. It is religious faith-in-action. It is disinterested benevolence towards others, an innate empathy that prompts us to react to the needs of the distressed.

True altruistic service is, at its core, an act of self-purification for the giver. It is another karmic/cosmic chance to "get it right" this time around. It’s an opportunity to do a better job of bringing righteousness into the world.

Altruism and positive health benefits

Research has shown that there’s a powerful connection between altruism/giving/helping others and enhanced health.

Even people with chronic, debilitating diseases such as asthma, arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis report astonishing improvements in physical health as a result of helping others. People who are depressed perk up considerably.

Altruism makes us happy, has beneficial consequences for physiology, and actually contributes to our health, quality of life, and longevity.

It has been found that human sociability is affected by the production of hormones like Oxytocin and Vasopressin in the hypothalamus of the brain and by their release into the bloodstream via the pituitary gland.

Recent evidence points to an increase of oxytocin levels of the in connection with all types of affectionate relationships/benevolent activities.

The release of oxytocin in the blood has many mood-enhancing effects which promote relaxation, mental alertness, calmness, gentle euphoria/serenity, kindness, social bonding, toleration of others, as well as deterrence of anxiety and depression. It also affects the immune function. It dulls pain and has anti-inflammatory action that protects the body against chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease.

Oxytocin is also addictive: it promotes long term altruistic relationships because being able to help others contributes to contentment and well-being. People obtain pleasure in the commission of benevolent acts. They like the way they feel and repeat their altruistic acts at will in order to experience the euphoric rush of oxytocin in their organism. Whatever action produces desirable effects is more likely to be repeated. Thus, Hedonism compels Altruism!

Altruistic acts and relationships boost oxytocin production. The hormone acts as an anti-stress agent, contributes to good health and longevity by protecting against chronic inflammation and illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease which are aggravated by stress and improved by deliberate acts of benevolence towards the needy.

Medical researchers have begun to amass a veritable mountain of evidence showing that altruism is present in humans in the form of physiological responsiveness to other humans. We are physiologically calmed after having helped others relieve their distress. Helping others greatly improves our health; it is a good antidote against depression. Providing social support to others brings about a decrease in one’s blood pressure, heart rate and the cortisol levels which affect obesity.

Altruistic people have lower blood pressure, suffer fewer strokes, have more robust immune systems, and experience less depression. Moreover, these health benefits can translate into large differences in lifespan.

Altruistic characteristics:

·        Tolerance of differences

·        Calm/poise; non-violent means of resolving conflict

·        Empathy

·        Concern for the welfare of others

·        Benevolence in response to others’ misfortune

·        Sense of social responsibility

·        Moral/Ethical code of justice

·        Low need for d ominance

Tenets:

The basic tenets of Altruistic teaching are straightforward and practical:

·        Change/evolution is the common denominator of the Universe. It is the fabric out of which miracles are made. It is the only "thing" that is everlasting/constant/fixed or permanent.

·        Actions have consequences. For every action there is a reaction, not just in theoretical physics, but in ordinary human life and in the very fabric of the universe as well.

·        Everything in life is interconnected: no individual is entirely separate from other individuals, and humanity is not separate from the world it inhabits. From this naturally arises compassion, or universal loving-kindness, which is the counterpart of wisdom.

·        The economy of Altruism is essential to the survival of humans and of this planet. 

Precepts:

·        Have respect for self. Strive to always be neatly attired; for in today’s society, one who is in shabby dress does not impress favorably.

·        Lead a healthy lifestyle. Avoid alcohol and other drugs. They can be a distraction for people who then become lessened by stupor and fleeting gratification. The euphoria of drugs quickly leads to misery and self-destruction. Besides, being in  too deep a state of relaxation makes people particularly vulnerable, dull, somewhat careless, deprived of the essential qualities like alertness and mental agility which one must possess in order to be well suited to recognize, seize and exploit economic opportunities.

·        Refrain from gluttony. Gluttons are likely to have greater vulnerability to major killers like heart disease, stroke, cancers, and secondary diabetes.

·        Have respect for one another. Extend loving-kindness to all. Behave benevolently towards your fellow humans. Engage in simple acts of decency and generosity.

·        Huddle together, for the threat of forthcoming uncertainties is close at hand. Providing each other with aid and comfort is the only way to future salvation/survival. Engage in behavior that results in benefit for self and for others as well. Let each person’s plight be a concern to all. Assume responsibility for others’ welfare so that no one is left behind.

·        Help another human being to become self-supporting (whether by means of gifts/loans/food/household goods and/or) by finding employment for the one in need. Help your fellow humans who are in distress or in need of aid. Share your resources with the fallen. Dispense your surplus property to the needy. Do so voluntary, without any hope of gain for yourself.

·        Refrain from avoiding a person just because his distress makes us feel bad. Instead, help that person attain and sustain a happy outcome.

·        Embrace all of humanity because, despite our seeming differences, we are all parts of this (celestial) body, planet Earth.

·        Put the interests of Humanity before immediate individual interests. Failing do so can have devastating consequences for survival.

·        Refrain from harming anyone (including oneself), for man’s survival is contingent on cooperation, not aggression.

·        Strive for the smooth negotiation of social interactions. One way of expressing disagreement is to change the subject. Avoid actions or words that might be construed as critical or insulting. Cultivate an ability to deal peacefully with conflicts.

·        Behave nonviolently. Arrive at a more calmly thought-out decision instead of an aggressive outburst while trying to resolve a conflict because skill and mental acumen are more important than brute strength. Besides, once hostilities are launched, it can be very difficult to make peace. So, if necessary, find a totally disinterested and impartial person among you to mediate the conflict; get a second or third opinion if needed.

·        Behave ethically. Maintain a code of personal ethics. Avoid dishonesty and deceit while dealing with others. Refrain from criminality.

·        Seek an innovative way to maximize gain by improving economic efficiency through cooperation/collaboration/team work, thus contributing to the wealth of the entire community. Cooperate and help one another because it is in your vital collective interest to do so.

·        Work on individual development, and try to attain the highest levels of moral reasoning wile seeking ethical solutions in your daily interactions with others.

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