What is your motivation for helping others

[Thomas Crown]

I just went to the gas station and helped an elderly lady asked me to help her put some antifreeze in her car, as I walked away I was thinking why did I do that, what was my motivation? Am I doing it for Karma or was I wanting something in return, or do I help people to make me feel good. I not so altruistic to think Im doing it because it's the right thing to do, I actually not sure. So why do we help others?

 

[Waxed]

I help them at my age hoping the guy up there might forgive me for the many stupid mistakes I made in my life.

 

[DannyDevito]

I like to see them smile and shocked at the same time.

 

[papasmerf]

Because it is right

 

[Boing]

Karma.

 

[Anto]

I don't need a motivation. If I see someone in need, I will help then walk away.

 

[Cybermike]

Hoping maybe she will like me and not judge me by my looks.

 

[McGuinty]

A tax right off :don'twantto-see:/

 

[cristycurves]

That is a good question, I suppose if I were to be honest with myself and analyze each time I aided someone there would be different reasons. But mostly because it just feels good to know you've made someones day a bit better, or a little less stressful and giving is just nicer than getting

 

[Poroit]

I never thought about it that way. Just comes natural to me.

 

[The Voice]

Because we feel good afterwards.

 

[Thomas Crown]

Because we feel good afterwards.

I guess that's what I'm getting at we do nice things for people to make us feel good. My mother volunteered at a hospital for years and it wasn't because it was the right thing to do, but because it kept her busy, and because it made her feel good. So do we help people for selfish reasons??

 

[The Voice]

Yes and there is nothing wrong with a win win.

 

[Brick]

None, instinct and common sense takes over automatically.

 

[Bubba]

To get free ice-cream.

 

[RED]

Our instincts don't generally tell us to help others. Basically, every creature is wired to survive, find a mate, and try to ensure that our offspring survive, thereby passing our DNA on to the next generations. Helping others only works if you get something back that helps you to survive.

I can also add that our genes usually skip a generation so if you look like your grandmother you know who to blame.

 

[papasmerf]

I can also add that our genes usually skip a generation so if you look like your grandmother you know who to blame.

Odd I look like my Cousin who is 5 years older than me.

 

[Jamal]

Odd I look like my Cousin who is 5 years older than me.

Do check records if you are really born to the right parents.

 

[Belleville69]

Because its the right thing to do......and it feels good. Sadly there seems to be less of that these days......

 

[IFUSEEKAMY]

If the roles were reversed, a little help would mean the world to me in reviving my faith in human decency. I should hope others feel the same way I would.