Journaling was Recommended

Altruism is defined as the unselfish concern for the well-being and happiness of others, often resulting in behaviors that benefit someone else at a personal cost. The word is derived from the French autrui, meaning “other people.” Altruism is characterized by actions such as volunteering, donating, or making sacrifices to help those in need.

Behavioral psychologists generally describe four main forms of altruism:

1. Kin Selection – Helping close relatives to ensure the survival of shared genes.
2. Reciprocal Altruism – Assisting others with the expectation or likelihood of future repayment or returned favors.
3. Cultural Group Altruism – Acting in the interest of a broader social group, tribe, or community.
4. Pure (Moral) Altruism – Selfless actions taken purely out of empathy, without any expectation of personal gain, reward, or recognition.

I recently learned about something called a “helper’s high” the idea that selfless acts can produce emotional and psychological benefits for the giver. It made me wonder: Is altruism born from abundance or from pain? Does surviving hardship make us more compassionate? Is helping others a way of healing ourselves?

I believe altruism can arise from both abundance and suffering.

When people experience abundance, they may feel a desire to share their blessings—to pass along their good fortune and help others experience the same opportunities they have enjoyed. In this sense, generosity becomes an expression of gratitude.

But pain can also be a powerful source of altruism. Those who have suffered often understand suffering in a way others cannot. They may choose to help because they know exactly what it feels like to be afraid, lonely, or overwhelmed, and they do not want anyone else to endure those feelings alone.

Surviving hardships can make us more compassionate because we have been on the receiving end of vulnerability. We understand the value of a kind word, a helping hand, or simply having someone show up when life becomes difficult. If we are willing to empathize, our own struggles can deepen our connection to others.

Can helping others heal ourselves? I think it can.

I’ve offered encouragement while struggling myself, and I won’t pretend it was easy. There were moments when I had little energy or hope to spare. Yet I chose to be there for another because I knew how much I wished someone would be there for me. In helping others, I can find purpose, and sometimes even strength.

I love the idea that the greatest acts of generosity are not always performed by those who have the most to give. Instead, they are often performed by those who understand suffering intimately and choose kindness anyway.

Perhaps that is altruism at its highest form, not giving because life has been easy, but giving because life has been hard, and deciding that your pain will not make the world colder. Instead, it will make it warmer.