Altruism: Its Nature and Varieties

"Altruism: Its Nature and Varieties" by George Herbert Palmer is a series of thought-provoking lectures from the early 1900s that looks at the idea of altruism and how it connects to self-interest in our daily lives. The book studies different parts of doing good for others, such as how we act, the giving of presents, and treating each other with respect. Each of these examples provide important keys to understanding our moral connections. Palmer starts off by using the simple example of families choosing to eat cheaper bread to help others as a practical demonstration of selflessness. He then dives into the history of altruism, contrasting the old Greek focus on taking care of oneself with the Hebrew and Christian ideas of love and giving. By setting up this historical background, Palmer shows that real altruism comes when we balance our own needs with the well-being of others, leading to a better understanding of how we relate to each other as we try grow morally.