Altruism means a selfless concern for the well-being of others and a true form of altruism is really difficult to see since by definition it has to be hidden!
Richard Dawkins has a rather grim take on the altruism of humans so much so that he called them selfish and wrote a whole book called the selfish gene! The first and most and many times the only thing that anyone does is to make sure that he or she survives or takes steps to survive!
Of course you do have altruism in nature and rarely among human beings too!
In that one of the most altruistic behaviour is of the worker bee who works for his companions his whole life and when an attack is imminent then he uses the sting for defence which inevitably makes him set for the end! The nectar is saved which he will never enjoy!
Some wildlife researchers believe that altruism is a well-documented behavior. Those who say animal altruism exists cite examples such as dolphins helping others in need or a leopard caring for a baby baboon!
In fact, in 2008, a bottlenose dolphin came to the rescue of two beached whales in New Zealand and led them into safe waters. Without the dolphin’s guidance, the whales surely would have died.
In another incident in New Zealand, a group of swimmers were first surprised when dolphins began circling around them, tighter and tighter, splashing in the water. The swimmers initially thought the dolphins were displaying aggressive behavior, but it turned out that they were warding off sharks. Now just because these two incidents happen in New Zealand does not mean that it is the center of altruistic behaviour!
This remarkable ape Orangutan whose name means ‘old man (or person) of the woods’ is one of the most expressive of mammals!
Youngsters are with the mother for an incredible 5 years, on average, during which time they learn all the skills necessary for adult life in the jungle forests. Mothers are extremely attentive to their babies’ needs, risking their lives to protect them from predators and guarding precious space when others threaten. It’s this level of selfless care and disregard for self that suggests the orangutan is capable of altruistic behaviour when the need arises.
Another altruism is exhibited by the octopus. The ordinary octopus is a very intelligent creature with an ability to express great care for its young. The mother, laying between 50,000 and 200,000 eggs, shows real dedication during the 8 weeks of her life when she protects her potential babies.
Once the eggs have been laid in a safe place she will push currents of water over the eggs so they get enough oxygen, keeping them alive. So busy is the female octopus her food intake lowers and often mothers just fade away to nothing in an effort to keep the babies alive. Once they have hatched out she will die!
A similar act is of the unknown Soldier who sacrifices his or her life so that we enjoy the comfort the home! The one who stands at the border and thinks only of his or her country! The unknown soldier is the one who is always respected first in any defence ritual and he or she is the one who is a testimonial to true altruism of the homo sapien…
The time now is for all professionals to support his or her country! Do your job and be with your country!
Jai hind!
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