Thread: Human Compassion

Why do we have it?
What good is it?
Would we be better off without it?
Is it invented or is it inherent to the human condition? ... We take it for granted that it should be part of our cultures, but why?
Specific examples of how members have found it beneficial or even an obstacle to their obvectives that would be interesting to hear. Even more interesting would be trying to break down rationally, what the purpose of compassion is to us.

Have at 'er!

True compassion doesn't exist. Everything we do is as a result of the selfish gene. We show compassion because, at an unconscious level, we know it will bring approval and elevate our own standing amongst our peers, thereby promoting one's own genes by attracting loads of compassion-seeking women.

OK, that last part was a bit much, but I do think Richard Dawkins has a point when he discusses altrusim (which I'm kind of equating or linking to 'compassion') as not really existing. We just want to make ourselves look good, is all.

Originally Posted by majurey

True compassion doesn't exist. Everything we do is as a result of the selfish gene. We show compassion because, at an unconscious level, we know it will bring approval and elevate our own standing amongst our peers, thereby promoting one's own genes by attracting loads of compassion-seeking women.

OK, that last part was a bit much, but I do think Richard Dawkins has a point when he discusses altrusim (which I'm kind of equating or linking to 'compassion') as not really existing. We just want to make ourselves look good, is all.

I don't disagree with you, but....there are some people (very few) in our world that are able to have compassion w/o the need for approval or recognition. I'll admit they are very, very rare. To give anonomosly and care for the the "unfortunates", is the true test of having real compassion.

It's called humility.

Steve

I tend to disagree. There are people, granted few, who do have compassion. Most of those people go around anonymous tho. There are Doctors, Nurses, and other people who help with reservation medicine on a daily bases. these type people work in rural medicine clinics, Small Hospitals, they definitely do not do it for the money.

Phil

Not the money, no. But maybe for the standing it gives them within their social surroundings? After all, you have pretty much professed your admiration for such people in less lucrative and more difficult roles. Maybe they want admiration and the best way to get it is by acting admirably! At a subconcious or even unconscious level they are attracted to such behaviour even if at a conscious level they believe they are doing it out of their own sense of altruism. Dawkins' argument is that we are genetically compelled to think we are doing good and that so-called selfless acts do actually have some pay-off of some sort or another for the individual.

It is, of course, impossible to argue for or against (like the religion question) but it certainly makes you wonder. Perhaps Mother Theresa deep down craved the saintly praise she received and subconsciously thought her chances of gaining eternal bliss after death was to behave as she did.

We do good things to get to heaven. But I ask you this: why do we wish to get to heaven? Because ultimately it's good for me, the individual doing good things.

The selfish gene. Damned if it doesn't also explain religion!

I agree with majurey's proposition in general... ie, it's all about recognition/gratification in some way. But I feel that for many people it can be just a self rewarding thing... ie, the gratification doesn't necessarily need to garner any praise or recognition from others.

I can agree to an extent, But then why are so many medal of honors awarded posthumously. These are men how have given there life in a fight or flight circumstance, and not to improve there position.

Phil

Like the American forefathers said, men are greedy. We are all looking out for #1 in one way or another. That's not to say that we are all absolutely greedy, but at some level we've got a little in us.

I think we have varying degrees of compassion, but it has to do with our "character". For example, I see myself as a somewhat chivalrous guy. If I see a woman that's being physically bothered by someone, I will confront them at my own risk. I don't do it for glory or reward, it is just "right" to me.

Originally Posted by floridaboy

I can agree to an extent, But then why are so many medal of honors awarded posthumously. These are men how have given there life in a fight or flight circumstance, and not to improve there position.

Phil

Well, perhaps at the time they didn't think they'd be killed. Maybe their thoughts were to act bravely and hence reap the rewards of bravery once the battle was done.

And maybe people think martyrdom is worthwhile because of the reward waiting for them in heaven? This could also explain the "anoymous" do-gooders. In God's eyes there's no such thing as anonymity is there, what with Him being omniscient and omnipresent?

True, but we were not discussing there thoughts about God, And most at that point of decision did not have a chance to think about God. All they had a chance to think about was the situation at hand, act or react, and remember, military training is all about the mission.

Phil