What Is The Purpose Of Helping Others?

To ease their discomfort.

 

Why?

 

Empathy

 

Good karma.

 

Why?

 

Sure.

 

Why?

 

Empathy knows no whys. It feels.

 

...good. So it's about you.

 

I was being sarcastic.

 

What is about me? Be specific.

 

You help people because it makes *you* feel good, not for the other person's sake, right?

 

The only time i feel good about helping someone is if i'm physically attracted to that person. I rarely go out of my way to help others and when i do its often a mix feeling of annoyance, compassion, and empathy. I helped my Dad shoveled the snow after a big storm. I did not feel good afterwards. I hated it. But my Dad is getting old and i am still young and strong. So i help.

 

it's karma, wouldn't you want someone to help you when you're down and lonely?

 

Humans aren't a solitary creature, we are social and enjoy belonging to lots of groups. Helping another can add an ally and also increase our social standing. That's the evolutionary reason to help others. Helping another person can also feel good, or at least prevent us from feeling bad (that feeling that we should have done something to help.)

It's interesting that a person will put his life on the line to help a complete stranger though. Every now and then you'll read a story about someone rushing into a burning building to save someone who is trapped. When asked about it afterwards, it seems like they have trouble explaining exactly why they did it. Usually it's just some vague explanation, like "someone had to do something", or whatever. Seems like it is just an instinct to look after one another.

 

It depends. A lot of times when i'm down and lonely, i prefer to be left alone. Some people have good intentions and try to help but end up doing more harm.

 

Empathy.
If you do not feel it, there is no use trying to explain it.
It is there as there is no other choice for some people.
Social standing and I will rub your back if you rub mine.
Bull shit!
Real empathy is in the hands of those in tiny boats fighting huge shipping vessels who are killing whales, for instance ..... And people like this have thankless jobs.
It is not a choice for those that have it.

 

Because we've been helped, too? Maybe karma isn't doing something to receive back, but rather doing something because we've already received. To me, this takes away any supernatural meaning, or morality issues as far as an obligation to your fellow man.

 

what???

 

So what?