I don’t believe effective altruism is entirely selfless, just as Nietzsche likened the sun’s giving—yet he ultimately went mad. We practice altruism on the foundation of ensuring our own survival; in other words, we prioritize self-interest before aiding others. This isn’t selfishness—it’s a form of self-care.
From a biological perspective, our ancestors sought advantage and avoided harm, surviving in the wilderness. The dangers of survival forged an instinct for self-preservation, an unavoidable trait that persists to this day. Psychologically, effective altruism can stimulate dopamine secretion in the brain, generating pleasure and a sense of reward. When this reward fades, people might anxiously question whether they’ve been altruistic enough—but at its core, this reflection is still a form of altruism.
As you said, energy is neither created nor destroyed—or perhaps the same applies to the profits generated by capital. No matter how high global GDP climbs, the economy remains a cycle: the money donated to the impoverished eventually returns to me in some form, and I, in turn, spend it, sending it back into circulation. So, if we don’t overanalyze it, altruism ultimately benefits the self. Holding onto some assets doesn’t make us selfish—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing oneself is also a way of practicing self-love.
I don’t believe effective altruism is entirely selfless, just as Nietzsche likened the sun’s giving—yet he ultimately went mad. We practice altruism on the foundation of ensuring our own survival; in other words, we prioritize self-interest before aiding others. This isn’t selfishness—it’s a form of self-care.
From a biological perspective, our ancestors sought advantage and avoided harm, surviving in the wilderness. The dangers of survival forged an instinct for self-preservation, an unavoidable trait that persists to this day. Psychologically, effective altruism can stimulate dopamine secretion in the brain, generating pleasure and a sense of reward. When this reward fades, people might anxiously question whether they’ve been altruistic enough—but at its core, this reflection is still a form of altruism.
As you said, energy is neither created nor destroyed—or perhaps the same applies to the profits generated by capital. No matter how high global GDP climbs, the economy remains a cycle: the money donated to the impoverished eventually returns to me in some form, and I, in turn, spend it, sending it back into circulation. So, if we don’t overanalyze it, altruism ultimately benefits the self. Holding onto some assets doesn’t make us selfish—it’s a necessity. Prioritizing oneself is also a way of practicing self-love.