What is altruism?

Altruism is when someone does something kind for another person without expecting anything in return.

Imagine you have your favorite cookie, and your friend doesn’t have one. Instead of keeping it all for yourself, you give them half, just because they look happy. That’s altruism!

What makes altruism special?

It's like sharing your toys with a friend who hasn’t asked for them yet.
You might feel good afterward, but that’s not why you did it in the first place.

Altruism can be small or big

Sometimes it’s as simple as helping someone pick up their things. Other times, it could be giving money to help someone else go to school, even if you don’t know them. Either way, altruism is about being generous and kind just because you want others to be happy.

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Examples

A child shares their last cookie with a friend who is sad.
Someone gives money to a beggar on the street even though they don't know them.
A person helps an old man carry groceries without being asked.

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Categories: Science · altruism· kindness· behavior