Is there any purpose in being a selfless person, these days?

Question

It seems like people just take advantage of generosity.

Answer 1

I'm one of them and I do feel like a rare breed!!! I believe I have a purpose because I have young children and want them to be as selfless as i am...to many selfish people out in the world today!!!!

Answer 2

ya there is sum people take it nice and r glad

Answer 3

I suppose the purpose of being selfless is to be the most loving person you can be and to enjoy the good feelings it incites just by doing it.

I agree that others can exploit generosity but I think as adults they are free to choose their own life values and priorities.

At the same time I think that love needs to include yourself equally as a matter of self respect, personal responsibilityand dignity. So I don't think there is any good purpose in allowing exploitation in full knowledge...it seems that would be like watering weeds.

Answer 4

Maybe, but if you're selfless what do you care?  As long as other people are being helped then it doesn't matter if people are taking advantage of you, does it?  If you do care, then maybe you're not so selfless.

Answer 5

That's true, just be alert to it.  You can teach other people how to be caring of other people.  I believe to a certain extent it rubs off.  If anyone takes advantage of it I wouldn't be close to them again.

Answer 6

The purpose would be for self gratification and to be a good person.

Yes, people do take advantage of generosity and others appreciate generosity as well.

Answer 7

You must see the irony in the question.  In other words, you are asking," Why should I be selfless?  What's in it for me?"  By definition, being selfless means to do for others without regard for yourself.  Do you think Mother Theresa helped people because she wanted something in return?  If you are helping people with the expectation of praise and accolades, then you aren't being selfless.  Don't get me wrong, it's great you want to help people, but I wouldn't describe it as being "selfless".  Is there any purpose to being a selfless person these days?  Yes.  But it's not because you might get thanks. Or congratulations. Or awards.  It's simply because maybe being selfless might just make someone else's life a little better.

Answer 8

yeah they do but then you find somone truly appreciative and it makes it worth while

i also kinda believe im karma so.....

Answer 9

I believe that there is a purpose, we cant help the way that other people behave but all we can do is try and be the very best person we can and help as many people as we can.