Scientists and anthropologists have shown that certain animals, even amebas, show altruistic behavior at times. Could this be the reason that concepts of altruism developed in the human race? Society and religious orders have long touted the benefits of altruism for the betterment of our culture.
But is it really? Altruism is the sacrificing of ones own self-interests for the sake of others. Friedrich Nietzsche’s opinion of altruism and of self-sacrifice as a whole is that it is unnatural and self-destructive. It eventually causes one to say no to life and to oneself. To make someone else the beneficiary of one’s action instead of oneself will lead ultimately to mental illness.
How does this work? If a man accepts the ethics of altruism certain things will follow:
1) Lack of self-esteem. His first concern must be not how to live his life, but how to sacrifice it. Once one’s ego has been denied it becomes something novel and different, the abolition of the individual. He will have no confidence in his own mind and judgment.
2) Lack of respect for others. When a man’s ego has been negated he sees mankind as a collection of doomed beggars crying for help. One must seek out others who are miserable then sacrifice oneself to them, to a lesser or non-value.
As Ayn Rand pointed out, in the end, altruism leaves one with no moral principles or guidance at all. Psychologically, altruism is devastating and leads to treating oneself as less than worthy.
On the other hand, Nietzsche espouses a principled form of egoism aimed at a healthy and accomplished lifestyle. He describes a life of healthy and holy selfishness where the egoist bestows in abundance not simply because he is capable of doing so, but because in his abundance, this is how he fulfills himself and feels powerful, good, and virile. He bestows gifts on others because it enhances his life. This is not self-sacrificial. The egoist decides when and to whom he will give and it is to those who are the most important in his life that he will give. Egoism is now seen as a means of promoting generosity as goodwill and kindness cannot come from a person who disregards himself.
People are done for when they become altruistic. Saying “Yes” to oneself enables great acts of generosity and benevolence.
Freidrich Neitzsche? The forerunner to modern
day existentialism? I suppose if one believes that nothing exists outside of what on can perceive then this philosophy would be true.
Although I agree the most people tend toward egoism, I do not think it is virtuous.
I accept absolute truth from an outside source
something I believe Neitzsche would reject.
By the way, wikipedia says Neitzche died in his mother’s care exhibiting symptoms of mental illness.
Well Written post.
I disagree with Neitzche here.