Lia Dopp

Definition Essay

November 8, 2017
Authentic Altruism

Altruism is often thought to be unself concern for oneself in order to benefit

others. The use of this word is impactful and inspiring when used to describe someone

or something. Altruism people not only benefit others but also provide themselves with

gratitude and honor. Our society is based on altruistic citizens wanting to help out their

neighbor expecting no return in exchange and this benefits both parties involved and

society as a whole.

An example of altruistic behavior is volunteering by painting walls at a homeless

shelter for the sheer impact of helping those whom are less fortunate. This act provides

the doer of gratitude and leaves the homeless shelter in better shape then it was

previously. The painters could paint inspiring quotes on the walls which have the further

impact of inspiring the homeless on a day to day basis. No matter what act is done, one

going out of their way with the intention of helping society and their fellow member is

simply altruistic and inspiring. Another example of altruistic behavior is sacrificing

oneself for the benefit of others. An example of this would be Jesus Christ dying on the

cross to save future christians and non believers from their sins. He did this to benefit

others and expected no return for this miraculous act. When he did this he suffered,

starved, and agonized even though he did not deserve it . This act of altruism inspired

a multitude of generations to sincerely help others.

An altruistic person is also thought to be one who believes in the practice of

selfless concern for the wellbeing of others. This definition perfectly fits Dr. Tom
Margolis, a gynecologist from Saratoga, California who specializes in pelvic surgery.

Dr. Margolis makes one or two medical mission trips per year to Uganda with the

explicit purpose of performing pelvic reconstructive surgeries for impoverished women.

Dr. Margolis does this out of the kindness of his own heart, expecting nothing in return.

His actions embody the definition of altruism. When ordinary people like Dr. Margolis

perform selfless acts, it benefits both the altruistic individual and society. As humans,

we thrive from helping others become their best selves.

Women living in impoverished villages of Uganda, many of whom have suffered

significant childbirth injuries, benefit from altruistic people such as Dr. Margolis. They

travel many miles to be evaluated and treated by him. In Uganda, women reproduce at

a young age and have narrow pelvises. This combination leads to significant childbirth

trauma which causes many Ugandan women to die daily due to the lack of medical

facilities and equipment. The women who survive childbirth and suffer significant

childbirth trauma complications need altruistic people like Dr. Margolis to have a second

chance at life.

Although some people do not believe in altruism, many Ugandan women and

their families have benefited from Dr. Margolis’s altruistic acts. Homeless people

benefit from the volunteers and Jesus freed us all from our sins. The definition of

altruism is embodied through these examples. When ordinary people take time to

perform altruistic acts, it benefits humanity as a whole. Altruism is a powerful

expression of our humanity, a conduit for our positive energy from which humankind

survives.