Shoutbox » The Psychology behind Charity

Are human beings truly compassionate? Western psychology definitely seems to disagree. In fact, from the beginning of the century Spanish philosopher George Santayana wrote that the generous, caring impulses, while they may exist, are generally weak, fleeting and unstable in human nature. He added that all one has to do is 'dig a little beneath the surface and you'll find a ferocious, persistent, profoundly selfish man.' Other philosophers like Thomas Hobbes also had a very pessimistic view of the human race. He was famous for discounting any notion of human kindness, saying when we help that beggar on the street we are not helping him but trying to relieve our own distresses about seeing the man's poverty.

Why is it that after reading about these philosopher's views almost all my friends began to doubt their feelings of compassion and kindness towards others? I too began to wonder if the only reason I donated that pound to the children's hospital today was because I wanted to feel better about myself as an individual and had absolutely no real selfless thoughts towards those children. After about half an hour of doubting my motives I realised I had only donated one pound - hardly a large amount at all; so really there was no reason for me to feel very good about myself as I had barely made a difference. The only thoughts that went through my mind as I was donating were images of very very sick children. Surely I can't have donated through pure selfishness?

Further research into philosophy (the optimistic kind!) backs me up. The Dalai Lama insisted that our underlying human nature is gentle and compassionate. That when we combine human intelligence with human goodness, all human actions become constructive as everyone is supported and helped in smart ways. We are not predatory animals but can learn to respect others' views and rights through our intelligence.

In fact, in 1986 the Seville Statement on Violence was drawn up summarising that ''though it is acknowledged that human violent behaviour does occur (obviously); it is scientifically incorrect to say we have an inherited tendency to make war or act violently or selfishly. That behaviour is not genetically programmed into human nature.'' Now that to me is good news. I'm not a bad person after all! As a human being I can have both a gentle and compassionate nature (yay!). Moreover with some intelligence I can even throughout my life make many choices that will be of benefit to other people like me. With that thought in mind, I for one am going to remember that, and keep on trying to help others who need my help, no matter how little I can contribute.

Posted By cupofcoffee on Wednesday 27th January 2010 a 09:26am

2 Shoutbacks Made