About the Benefits of Helping Others

The importance of helping others is a principle that can be found in every sphere of society, in one form or another. Views differ as to what motivates the helping individual, or group, but, in the end, it's ones subjective experience of the act that gives it credence, or not.

Significance

Most of us have needed help with something at some point in our lives. The old adage "no man is an island" is most definitely true. And where would we be if someone hadn't been there to help us through?

Humans seem to have an innate ability to help one another. This ability may very well be the aspect of "us" that promotes the survival of our species. A compassionate sense of existence drives us to be there for one another; even strangers.

Altruism is defined as a selfless quality wherein one acts for the purpose of helping others without concern for reward, or recognition. Many would say that herein lies the true benefit in helping others. Not for reward, or recognition, but because another is helped.

History of

In the United States, the practice of helping others can be traced back to the country's origins when settlers first arrived on the land. The hardships of the group required each member to look out for the other.

With no established governing body, nor buildings or systems in place, each had to rely on another's contribution to help in building a society in which to live. In this respect, the habit of promoting the public welfare became ingrained in a people for the purpose of survival. By taking care of the group, each person was in effect taking care of himself.

Function

Why do we do it? Why do we want to reach outside ourselves for the benefit of another, with no visible compensation to be had? A Norwegian philosopher by the name of Arne Naess suggests are ability to help others is derived from the sense of continuity humans feel as parts of a whole.

A more expanded view on this perspective can be found in the field of transpersonal psychology. The term "transpersonal" was first introduced by William James, a prominent philosopher for the early 1900's. It centers around the spiritual aspects of our human experience that sees altruism, or benevolence as driven by the transcendental needs of our species. In other words, we help others because we "need" to help others.

Type

The benefits of helping others can come in different forms. Of course there's recognition, be it from self, or others. For some, recognition from others is a precious gift, and they need nothing more. For those who need only to know that they've helped another, their satisfaction is more so intrinsic, and oftentimes self healing.

There's a Hindu school of thought called "karma" that assigns an "energy" reaction for every action. In this respect, the benefit in helping another would lie in the return of the favor through a universal law of "energy" physics. In fact, many religious, and/or spiritual perspectives follow this same line of thought.

Last, but not least, there's philanthropy. Though mostly practiced within the ranks of the rich, it's general tenet is in providing financial assistance, or funding for community, national or international outreach purposes. Many contributions made by philanthropists have aided people --disaster victims, food assistance, water- that would otherwise have not been helped.

Effects

The effects of people helping people can best be seen in the aftermath of disaster. The attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001, brought forth a national outpouring of help for the victims of the attack. The glaring sense of need and helplessness viewed by so many prompted people from all walks of life to do something --anything- to help.

The effects of the attack itself, driven by hostile and vicious motives were immediately countered by the compassion and empathy felt towards the victims. The heart of a nation came forth on that day, and so did its ability to heal.

It's been said that the best way to heal grief, or hurt is to help someone else heal theirs. Perhaps in doing so, we find that reflection of hope for ourselves.

Resources

• Guide to the Transpersonal Internet
• Altruists International