****OT--on altruism****
Synchro,
A fine post. But, in response to, "Have you really wondered about the true nature in a human transaction of altruism? You have a giver and taker of allegedly good intention. The giver demands gratefulness (either now or posthumously)--after all, he sacrificed himself for YOU!"
If the "giver" does demand "gratefulness", then it isn't really altruistic in any religious sense that I know of (Jewish, Christian, Buddhist). I would argue minimally a parent child relationship demands altruism if it is to be healthy for both of them. I know, you (or someone--I don't really mean to put words into your mouth) might say, well, the parent sees the child as an aspect of him/herself, so it isn't altruistic. But from what I have seen, if the parent does do that, then the child feels guilt, resentment and anger.
As for altruism in the political sphere, I wish I had both the time and the clarity of mind to discuss it, but, having neither, I won't try except to say that I think it is as important as it is rare, and, as you correctly say, demands for it have frequently led to the most abysmal consequences.
Sam
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