The world would be a much more beautiful place if we all practiced altruism. By the way, do you REALLY know what that means?
To be altruistic is to help others, that is, to be in solidarity with the emotions and feelings of others, giving maximum support so that the other person can overcome their obstacles and be happy.
"What do I get out of it?" - this is definitely not a question that belongs to altruism. This act is done without expecting absolutely anything in return. The reward that the altruistic individual receives for his actions is to see the smile on the faces of those he was able to help.
Want examples? So check out some selfless attitudes made by outstanding personalities that helped bring more dignity and happiness into the lives of millions of people!
5. Diana, Princess of Wales
Beautiful, stylish, smiling and a fashion icon. There are several adjectives that we can use to qualify lady di, but none is more true than ALTRUIST.
Known as the "People's Princess," Diana's struggle to support disadvantaged groups was constant throughout most of her life.
The campaigns of AIDS awareness - which was still a gigantic taboo in the mid-1980s - and the fight against landmines spread across several countries on the continent African, who daily claimed the lives of many people, are just a few highlights that marked the princess's charitable work Diana.
There is no doubt that the philanthropic attitudes of the most beloved princess in the world served (and still do) as an inspiration for thousands of people, especially young women who see Diana as a model of strength, independence and solidarity.
4. Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Even with some controversies it is undeniable the impact that Santa's countless charities have Teresa of Calcutta (she was canonized in September 2016 by Pope Francis) had for the lives of people.
Even decades after his death, the messages of peace and love of "Santa das Gurtas" still echo strongly throughout the world!
Mother Teresa lived daily with a single objective: charity. With the foundation of the Missionaries of Charity religious congregation, the Saint has been able to help thousands of disabled and poor people in more than 130 countries.
Her relentless struggle against the abandonment of those who suffered and who were ignored by society led to Mother Teresa being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Learn more about what it means to be Altruistic.
3. Nelson Mandela
Mandela's famous struggle against one of the most unjust and cruel regimes mankind has ever witnessed - the apartheid - is one of the main sources of inspiration for millions of people.
Mandela was born into a family of tribal nobility and had what it takes to occupy a position of leadership, but he refused this opportunity and devoted his entire life to defending human rights.
This leader is also an icon of human resilience, he had to face 27 years imprisoned in a tiny cell, abdicating his freedom and the company of their families, all in favor of a common purpose: the equality of rights among all beings humans.
Want a more perfect definition of altruism than Mandela's life? She is difficult...
See also: Moving Stories about Human Resilience.
2. Malala Yousafzai
Living in territory threatened by the Taliban regime, this Pakistani he did not remain silent in the face of the injustices that were practiced against the women of his country, in particular the ban on attending school.
At just 11 years old, Malala began to draw attention from around the world through her texts (kept in a blog) which narrated the harsh reality of Pakistanis under the terrorist regime.
Even though she knew she was putting her life at risk, the young woman was never silent or was afraid of the oppressions of the Taliban regime. In 2012, however, he ended up being the victim of an attack. Hit by 3 shots, Malala was in critical condition and unconscious for many days.
When she recovered, Malala's willpower and commitment to denounce the horrors her country was experiencing became more intense.
Considered the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize (only 17 years old), Malala is an "injection of motivation" for those who were discredited in Humanity. Even in the midst of so much suffering and dishonesty, there are people who are strong, dignified, resilient and who place love for others as a priority in their lives.
Bravo, Malala. Angry!
1. Jesus Christ
If there is one personality that totally changed the way people see the world, it was Jesus Christ!
This central character of the Christian faith has inspired people for over 2,000 years! Their actions are narrated in the Bible and many of them show real examples of how to be altruistic.
Jesus is known for "to have died on the cross to deliver mankind from their sins". Metaphorically, this holy act of Christ is the basis of the concept of altruism: sacrifice for the sake of others, that is to say, not doing something thinking exclusively about your well-being and contributing to happiness alien.
Learn more about meaning of altruism.
What is your main source of inspiration for practicing altruism? By the way, do you think you are a selfless person? Reflect on this.