Altruism is dead. I've never met anyone who claimed to be its proponent who actually lived it. @crypto.piotr, by his own admission, doesn't send these messages purely for altruistic motives.
I'm a business owner, plus I've few years experience as a professional social media marketer. Let's put it this way: I'm building my influence and reach. Influence = getting to know people. And knowing right people does allow me to make businesses with some of them.
That doesn't sound like altruism me. It's a business decision. Nothing wrong with that.
BTW, I've made no accusations. I have only asked questions.
Well, I'm not saying you are making accusations. You're taking what appears to be questionable evidence, and presenting it in an intelligible and respectful manner.
I don't agree that altruism is dead. I'm a man who's slept under bridges in the cold of winter, and have given my resources to others, when I was in need myself. I don't really care if you believe this or not honestly, because it's not my will to impose.
Altruism as a whole is lacking, but it's not dead IMO. It's a facet of human nature that will never die. It just needs a little rekindling at times. Thank you for your response sir, good day to you.
Dear @blockurator
Is that your life experience? Im very sorry.
Yours
Piotr
It's not a life experience. It's a living reality. Ever hear of MC Hammer? He made millions selling hip-hop albums and in five years went bankrupt. Why? He was altruistic. Gave people jobs who didn't work, paid their salaries. Went bankrupt.
Ever hear of earning your wages and making what you're worth? It's called making a living.
That's not to say there isn't a place for charity, benevolence, giving to your fellow man. But if you give more than you earn, you go bankrupt.
Here's my experience: Those who hold altruism up to be some kind of benevolent virtue to behold are either shysters or idiots. It's an unsustainable business model.
Dear @blockurator, @futuremind
I agree. We just need to know our limits.
Look. I turned 40 lately and I decided that I want to make small difference within life of few people. Since I've decent earnings and I live quite confortable life - I can afford to invest some time and energy to help several people here.
And most of those people are from Venezuela. I really don't see a way of me earning anything that would justify my efforts. But I know that I can change life of few of those people. I actually did help 2 get some part time jobs already and I'm still helping them learn more about social media.
Do I consider myself an altruist? Not really. But technically I do not gain anything except of feeling that I did something in my life more meaningful than making money.
But I also understand that I can only "give that much" without affecting my lifestyle and my budget.
And to be honest, I've met number of people who consider themself succesful and financially independent, who do spent some % of their time, energy and other resources on doing things for others. Some people do have this desire. I do.
Yours
piotr
This is all awesome stuff. Benevolence, charity, helping others ... it makes the world a better place.
This proves you're not an altruist. You benefit from your benevolence, and you should. Altruists don't benefit, and don't seek benefits. Helping others is a good thing. And God knows the people in Venezuela need some help.
Well. If feeling good about doing some good dead is benevolence, then surely I'm not an altruist. I never really cared if I fit this category anyway.
All the best my friend
Piotr