IndexIntroductionDefinition of altruism and helping othersCulture of helping between animals and humansConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionAltruism can be defined as the behavior of an animal that is not beneficial to itself or can be harmful to oneself, but benefit others. For a long time it was believed that only humans were capable of performing altruistic acts such as helping others in need, but as the world progresses we know that altruism is everywhere. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Defining Altruism and Helping Others Perhaps the most common form of altruism is the case of a parent protecting and nurturing their children. Birds will deprive themselves of nourishment to regurgitate food into the gaping mouths of their young. Such behavior goes against our natural survival instinct, yet a man will still do anything to help a blind or elderly person cross the road. But is altruism really what it seems? Do we really help others without expecting anything in return? So why do we judge others or develop a little dislike or even the slightest thought that comes to mind “how ungrateful, didn't even bother to say thank you” when they refuse to be obligated to you in exchange for your help? Many argue that pure altruism cannot exist, these actions may seem altruistic however they always have selfish reasons at their core. Lions will work in packs so they can kill an antelope even though they are fully aware that they will have to share the meat later. Their chances of survival increase when they work together. Culture of Help between Animals and Humans Animals tend to help their family members. Even in this case it is not a sort of deep bond that family members share with each other, but a survival instinct. The bond a mother shares with her child is once again due to survival, albeit this time at a genetic level. You are more likely to donate to your family members while dismissing a beggar who may need much more help. You are acting in the best interests of your genes, if not yourself. By helping a relative you actually allow your genes to be passed on and therefore survive and makes hunting prey easier. There are exceptions to the third rule. We could give a beggar a chance and we could still sacrifice our time to help someone change a flat tire. But this is also part of our efforts to help us survive. When we help others, we can often expect to be helped in return. This 'you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours' attitude is also found in the animal kingdom. Monkeys eat each other's ticks so they can remove their own. It should be emphasized that this happens at a subconscious level, which is why we often misunderstand many of our "types" as altruism. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion When we come to realize that even something as true and real as altruism has selfish motivations behind it, we ask ourselves, can human beings ever show pure kindness without any expectations? With this I leave you, hoping that you will continue to love your offspring and help strangers; whatever your motivations. Works Cited Batson, CD (2011). Altruism in humans. Oxford University Press.Clutton-Brock, T. H. (2009). Cooperation between non-kin in animal societies. Nature, 462(7269), 51-57.Trivers, R.L. (1971)., 46(1), 35-57.