more from Edmund O. Wilson

Single Idea 5316

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / f. Altruism]

Full Idea

By sanctifying altruism in order to reward it we make it less true, but by that means we promote its recurrence in others.

Gist of Idea

We undermine altruism by rewarding it, but we reward it to encourage it

Source

Edmund O. Wilson (On Human Nature [1978], Ch.7)

Book Reference

Wilson,Edward O.: 'On Human Nature' [Penguin 1995], p.149


A Reaction

So is my preference for not rewarding (or even noticing) altruism an anti-social tendency. The very conspicuous charity of sponsorship seems somehow inferior to the truly anonymous gift. Or super-altruism is very public, to encourage it in others?