Altruism is overrated.
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I’m a big fan of altruism. Wish I was better at it.
yes, yes, give me stuff.
wait.
never mind.
going now
Why?
I’m an Objectivist, so altruism is a lot like Santa Claus or The Flat Tax in my book. I think it’s good to treat people well when your generosity mirrors that person’s value to you. Even what seem to be gigantic sacrifices grow around a kernel of self-interest, from one-celled organisms up. I find it more honest than the concept of charity.
I like to call it “enlightened self-interest”. Being nice to people makes me feel good. Is that selfish?
Sometimes, being mean to people feels good. Is that altruistic?
Um, no. That’s just mean. And it does feel good. But then sometimes it feels bad later.