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My "why" question is why are you now limiting it to having to be a tangible gain?
Is that not called 'moving the goal posts' ?
As to the why of why does it make us feel good, it depends on the circumstances and the individual.
Sure it doesn't have to be tangible gain, I misspoke there, the point was that that the gain manifests itself external rather than internally (good feeling).
To your second point while you are right I would say in general most people feel good from acting out of kindness. If that wasn't the case then (charity) wouldn't be so prevalent in our society. Even when someone doesn't participate in giving most still feel good from doing it.
I didn't no where else to put this so I thought the most likely place it should be is here on the philosophy forum.
The human race is made up of the most kind and sincere living beings in the world. We are capable of such great acts and are worries are self made.
We had no reason to be concerned about the suffering of lesser beings, the homeless, dogs, the environment, etc. but of our own makings we put the weight on our own shoulders.
And on a personal level I have learned that the only reason I am where I am is because of the respect and kindness I have been shown by others, be they friends or strangers. Surely there are times of cruelty and darkness but coming out on the other end with a smile and genuine hope for the future is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
Even at times when I'm down and someone smiles at me (whether it be for a reason or no reason at all) the affects are what help me go on day by day.
There is such goodness in the world and in other humans that there need not be and yet here it is. The caring for one another and the support given even when not needed.
This world is, in its most natural state, a free and beautiful place and I wish everyone here on CD a fantastic day and even more to come in the future
what a load of rubbish, the human race is anything but this, especially in the 21st century.
Humanity is great in terms of accomplishments, but has severe flaws that hold it back. It engages in psychotic behavior not found elsewhere in the animal kingdom.
lol, I must have been drunk when I wrote this thread, I agree with almost nothing I said.
Maybe you would agree with what you've said here if you got drunk again?
Never mind, I think it's alright either way.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LesLucid
“MAN, n. An animal so lost in rapturous contemplation of what he thinks he is as to overlook what he indubitably ought to be. His chief occupation is extermination of other animals and his own species, which, however, multiplies with such insistent rapidity as to infest the whole habitable earth and Canada.”
—Ambrose Bierce, “The Devil's Dictionary”
Seriously, the best philosophical dictionary around.
This is for you Les:
The Fourteenth Book
[ A short book with a long title. [ 110 ] ]
Title: What Can a Thoughtful Man Hope for Mankind on Earth, Given the Experience of the Past Million Years?
Only verse: Nothing.
The Books of Bokonon From Cat's Cradle By Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
You're taking the stance that altruism is a 'pure' thing without benefit to the provider.
In actuality, doing good things for others makes one feel good or self righteous, a definate 'benefit'.
To give with no thought of return is the only real giving, your description better fits self seeking behavior.
Altruism is efficacious but that isn't the goal, we help others because they need help, not to "feel good".
Intention is everything.
Humanity is great. https://youtu.be/oYuQLxartcM
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Seriously, the best philosophical dictionary around. 
