More than once, I have been told, "There is no such thing as altruism." The argument typically follows that every act of kindness is, at its core, self-serving—whether to feel good about oneself, gain social approval, or avoid guilt. But while humans are complex beings with layered motivations, to dismiss all altruism as illusionary is to misunderstand the depth of human compassion.

St Maximillian Kolbe — Saint Maximillian Kolbe

The Argument Against Altruism

The sceptical view of altruism often stems from psychological egoism, the belief that all human actions are ultimately driven by self-interest. Proponents argue that even the noblest acts—donating to charity, volunteering, or rescuing a stranger—are done because they provide some form of internal reward, such as an emotional high or social recognition.

There is truth in acknowledging that doing good feels good. Neuroscientific studies show that acts of generosity trigger activity in the brain’s reward centres, releasing dopamine and oxytocin—the so-called "helper’s high" (Harbaugh, Mayr & Burghart, 2007). But does the existence of this positive reinforcement negate the possibility of altruism?

Altruism in Action

To counter the claim that all altruistic behaviour is ultimately selfish, consider examples where self-interest is absent or even undermined:

· Sacrificial Acts – Throughout history, people have risked or given their lives for others, with no possibility of personal gain. Think of Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic priest who voluntarily took the place of a stranger sentenced to die in Auschwitz. His act carried no reward—only suffering and death—yet he did it anyway.

· Anonymous Giving – Many individuals give anonymously, ensuring that they receive no social credit or recognition. If altruism were solely about praise, why would anyone choose to donate without leaving their name?

· Helping Without Witnesses – If people help only for self-interest, why do they perform acts of kindness when no one is watching? The many unsung heroes who stop to assist a stranger in distress, expecting no thanks or publicity, contradict the argument that altruism is merely about social gain.

Altruism: Beyond Selfish Genes

In the realm of biology, self-sacrificial behaviours exist that challenge a purely self-interested framework. In nature, we see examples of animals acting in ways that reduce their own survival chances to benefit others—meerkats standing guard against predators, dolphins supporting injured members, or bees sacrificing their lives to protect the hive (De Waal, 2009). These acts serve the broader community rather than the individual.

Humans, too, are wired for cooperation. Our survival as a species has depended not on ruthless self-interest but on mutual care, shared resources, and collective well-being (Wilson, 2015). We are undeniably shaped to feel empathy, compelling us to act for the good of others even when no direct benefit is evident.

Altruism as a Moral Choice

The claim that "there is no such thing as altruism" assumes that all actions must serve an ulterior motive. But what if we choose to be kind simply because kindness is right?

Moral frameworks across cultures and faiths promote selfless love and service. Christianity - my own long-held faith - speaks of 'agape' love—self-giving love that seeks nothing in return (Lewis, 1952). Buddhism advocates compassion as an end in itself. Secular humanism champions ethical responsibility beyond personal gain.

The fact that doing good can bring joy does not mean that joy is the sole motivation for goodness. Altruism exists not because people are incapable of selfishness but because they choose, time and again, to transcend it.

A World That Needs Altruism

In a world facing crises of injustice, inequality, and suffering, altruism is more than a philosophical debate—it is a necessity. We need people willing to serve without expectation of reward, to give when no one is watching, and to help because others need help.

If we dismiss altruism as a myth, we risk undermining the very acts of courage and generosity that make humanity worth believing in. The world is a better place because people act selflessly. And that, I believe, is proof enough that true altruism exists.

Start Bay is focussed on helping givers and those in leadership who are tasked with the great responsibility of deploying philanthropic funding. If you think Start Bay can help you, I'd love to have a conversation with you.

References

· De Waal, F. (2009) The Age of Empathy: Nature’s Lessons for a Kinder Society. New York: Crown Publishing.

· Harbaugh, W.T., Mayr, U. and Burghart, D.R. (2007) ‘Neural responses to taxation and voluntary giving reveal motives for charitable donations’, Science, 316(5831), pp. 1622-1625.

· Lewis, C.S. (1952) Mere Christianity. London: HarperCollins.

· Wilson, D.S. (2015) Does Altruism Exist? Culture, Genes, and the Welfare of Others. New Haven: Yale University Press.

Altruism: The Reality of Selfless Giving