Does true altruism exist? Is it possibly to be truly altruistic?

Best Wishes,

Nicola

What do you mean by true? Altruism exists as an evolved extension of self-interest.

Hi Spider,

I mean, is anything truly altruistic? Isn't there always something in it for the person who is supposedly being altruistic?

Your comment about self-interest does seem very related to so-called altruistic acts.

Nicola

In the long term, altruism must pay off or it wouldn't exist. In an extended society like ours, as opposed to small tribes, it is less likely to be personally beneficial. Some people may still adopt altruism as a moral code.

Not sure what you mean. Is it "People only perform altruistic acts because they want to, so it is not true altruism?" Or do you mean something else?

[Edited] I should have made myself more clear. My question was to OP, not to Spidergoat.

I mean that altruism may exist as a remnant of a former time when the benefits were more obvious. That being the case, the behavior is still the same, giving help to others without expecting anything in return.

Does true altruism exist? Is it possibly to be truly altruistic?

You mean 'true altruism' in the sense that a person would do something where there is absolutely nothing in it for them?