WOW Word-Of-the-Week #284: Altruistic

January 3, 2010 by · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #284: Altruistic 

Altruistic – showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others.

Did you have an opportunity to apply the Golden Rule at home or work last week? Did you find yourself being more thoughtful and/or tolerant of others? How much do you care about the welfare of others?

image016 (6)This week is the follow up of last week’s WOW from Jai Ghorpade’s editorial on the Golden Rule. “A person who scores high on this list of qualities should be able to comprehend the difference between mere reciprocity and the altruistic requirement of the Golden Rule.”

3) Consideration: Are you willing to take the other person’s problems and constraints into account when deciding to respond to a broken promise of other negative action?

4) Empathy: Do you have the ability to identify with and understand somebody else’s feelings and difficulties? Are you willing and able to listen with an open mind, especially to those with whom you disagree?

“In today’s context, to adopt the Golden Rule is to be able to see past the blinders of social class, race, gender, age, and sexual orientation and to be able to tell the difference between the real ‘bad guys’ versus those who just look bad because of stereotypes, preconceptions and prejudices.”

“Some may undertake this challenge for the love of God and the promise of salvation. Others may do so to pursue the distant glow of a ‘good’ society where individuals treat each other with compassion, consideration and empathy because it enhances the quality of life for all.”

This week focus on consideration and empathy. Are you attached to having everyone see things your way? Is there a person or persons that you can agree to disagree with? How would it feel to let go of stereotypes and prejudices?

Reader Responses

Consideration and empathy are extremely important when dealing with others in this day and age. One of the biggest obstacles for me is when others do not take the time to be considerate or follow the “Golden Rule.” Especially with family. I do make a big effort to empathize with particular situations, but when dealing with those who have an entitlement attitude it is hard to let things go. What really gets my goat is when these people do not say “Thank you.” Over the course of my lifetime, I have made it a point to remember all family members’ birthdays, anniversaries and important life events. What I am still attempting to learn is to accept that many of these family members will not say “Thank you.” Whether it is with a note, an e-mail or by simply picking up the telephone. I can see that it this is probably a control issue with me, where they are not doing what I WANT THEM TO DO. So, it is up to me to ACCEPT and to give in a more unconditional way. I will continue to set my example, and live and let live. After all, it is about giving and not receiving. Putting out that good aura in the universe should be enough. Great words, Susan. Have a great week. Take care. “Warrior” Joe