Altruism, or ethical altruism, is a moral philosophy that advocates for individuals to aid, serve, or benefit others, potentially at the expense of their own interests. Specifically, an action is considered morally right if its outcomes are more beneficial than harmful to everyone but the person performing the action.

Altruism

The term "altruism" (initially derived from the Latin "alter" meaning "other") was coined by Auguste Comte, the French founder of Positivism, in order to describe his ethical doctrine, which he summed up in the phrase: "Live for others". In more general terms, Altruism is selfless concern for the welfare of others (although its common usage does not necessarily entail any ethical obligation).

Etymology Of Altruism

Altruism is frequently viewed as a subset of consequentialism because it evaluates the ethical correctness of an action based on its beneficial consequences for others. While similar to utilitarianism, which advocates for actions that maximize positive outcomes for all of society, altruism specifically calls for actions that maximize benefits for everyone but the individual taking the action.

Philosophize

“If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”

Altruism promotes the well-being of others and can lead to a more cooperative and harmonious society by encouraging acts of kindness and support.

Conclusion

philosophy

Philosophy

history

History

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

education

Learning & Education

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

In the infernal depths, Dante artfully maps the landscape of consequence to human action, where the nature of one’s earthly deeds is mirrored in the afterlife's recompense. This concept, known as "contrapasso," serves as a profound philosophical reflection on justice, suggesting that the fabric of the cosmos is woven with moral law. It beckons us to tread through life with a heightened moral consciousness, recognizing that each choice casts ripples through the pond of existence, impacting not only ourselves but the broader tapestry of life.

The Consequences of Our Actions

"Justice moved my high maker; in power divine, Wisdom supreme, love primal, I was made. Before me nothing but eternal things Were made, and I endure eternally."(Inferno)

The ascent up the purgatorial mount becomes a poignant metaphor for the soul's quest for redemption and self-betterment. This journey underscores the transformative power of repentance and the relentless pursuit of personal growth. It is a clarion call to embrace our fallibility, to engage in introspection and self-correction, and to continually strive towards a higher embodiment of virtue and wisdom.

The Importance of Repentance and Personal Growth

"Expect no longer words or signs from me, Free and upright and whole is thy free-will, And error were it not to do its bidding; Thee o'er thyself I therefore crown and mitre!"(Purgatorio)

In the celestial realms, Dante is bathed in the ineffable light of divine love, a force so potent it transcends human imperfection and binds the universe. This divine love serves as a beacon, illuminating the path to a deeper spiritual communion and urging us to view existence through the prism of compassion and grace. It is an invitation to dissolve the barriers of ego and to partake in the boundless ocean of divine benevolence.

The Power of Divine Love and Grace

“The Love that moves the sun and the other stars.”(Paradiso)

Through dialogues with souls from various epochs, Dante's narrative becomes a crucible for the alchemy of understanding, blending philosophy, theology, and politics. This intellectual odyssey celebrates the pursuit of knowledge as a sacred endeavor, essential not only for individual enlightenment but as a compass to navigate the moral complexities of existence.

The Journey of the Soul

"In His will is our peace: it is that sea To which everything moves, both that it creates and nature makes."(Paradiso)

The Quest for Wisdom

"Consider your origin; you were not formed to live like brutes but to follow virtue and knowledge." (Inferno)

The Divine Comedy" presents a cosmic symphony of interconnected lives, a harmonious blend of destinies intertwined in the dance of eternity. It articulates a vision of humanity bound by a shared journey, a collective pilgrimage towards redemption and understanding. This perspective invites us to recognize our common humanity, to empathize with the myriad human conditions, and to acknowledge our role in the grand tapestry of life.

Interconnectedness of Humanity

"In His will is our peace: it is that sea to which whatever it creates and nature makes is moving." (Paradiso)

Amidst the tapestry of fate and divine will, Dante places the crown of free will upon the human condition. The poem elucidates the profound agency we possess over our spiritual destinies, emphasizing that our ultimate place in the cosmos is sculpted by the hands of choice. This philosophical stance champions the dignity of human freedom and the weighty responsibility of crafting our destiny with wisdom and courage.

The Role of Free Will

"Led by her [divine Providence], man has the freedom, has the power to lay his course by different waters. But just as grace brings forth within your breast the love that blossoms into righteousness, so does the heavens' light direct your will to noble ends, providing you the spark."(Paradiso)

Through these lessons, Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy" emerges not only as a monumental work of literature but as a timeless philosophical treatise, offering profound insights into the nature of human existence, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of transcendence.

The Conclusion

"Dante's The Divine Comedy,' an epic journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, elegantly maps the soul's quest for the divine. This masterpiece weaves a profound allegory of life's voyage, emphasizing moral integrity, the weight of choices, and the pursuit of celestial wisdom."

The authoritative translations of The Inferno, The Purgatorio, and The Paradiso—together in one volume. Belonging in the immortal company of the great works of literature, Dante Alighieri’s poetic masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, is a moving human drama, an unforgettable visionary journey through the infinite torment of Hell, up the arduous slopes of Purgatory, and on to the glorious realm of Paradise—the sphere of universal harmony and eternal salvation. Now, for the first time, John Ciardi’s brilliant and authoritative translations of Dante’s three soaring canticles—The Inferno, The Purgatorio, and The Paradiso—have been gathered together in a single volume. Crystallizing the power and beauty inherent in the great poet’s immortal conception of the aspiring soul, The Divine Comedy is a dazzling work of sublime truth and mystical intensity.

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

books

Books

Dante Alighieri

The Divine Comedy

’’Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when your weak.’’

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without figthing.

The greatest victory is that which ﻿requiers no battle.

"There's not a dated maxim or vague prescription in it." — Newsweek Regarded as the world's oldest military treatise, this compact volume has instructed officers and tacticians for more than 2,000 years. From its origins in China, The Art of War traveled the world to inform the strategies of Napoleon and World War II generals. More recently, it has taken on a new life as a guide to competing successfully in business, law, and sports. All of The Art of War's concepts retain their value to modern readers, from the prudence of circumventing a strong opponent and taking advantage of a weak one to the wisdom of preparedness and flexibility. Other topics include strategy, tactics, maneuvering, communications, the treatment of soldiers, and the worth of well-trained officers. History enthusiasts, business thought leaders, and anyone intrigued by competition and rivalry will appreciate this elegant edition of the classic work.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

strategy

Strategy

Sun Tzu (孫子; pinyin: Sūnzǐ) is a honorific title bestowed upon Sūn Wu (孫武 c. 544-496 BC), the author of The Art of War (孫子兵法), an immensely influential ancient Chinese book on military strategy. Sun Tzu believed in the use of the military sciences to effect outcomes that would result in peace.In the author's name, Sūn Wu, the character wu, meaning "military", is the same as the character in wu shu, or martial art. Sun Wu also has a courtesy name, Chang Qing (Cháng Qīng).

Sun Tzu

The Art of War

Lee Kuan Yew was born in 1923 in Singapore during the British colonial rule. He was the prime minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990 and remained as a member in parliament until he died in 2015. Through his leadership, he transformed Singapore from a small, dependant island to an economic force. He raised standards for living significantly and made the workforce highly specialized instead. In turn the GDP of the country rose significantly. The GDP of Singapore for 2024 is projected to be 500b$ with population of 5,6m. So how did he accomplish such astonishing results? Read below

Introduction

Soft dictatorship is when the country is still to a large extent controlled by one man (the dictator), but the dictator has the country's interests at heart. This is opposed to hard dictatorship where the dictator's goal is only to keep the power in his hands even when it means people will suffer. So on one side, you have power to one person, who has in mind the interests of the common people and the country as priority number one and on the other side (hard dictatorship) you have centralized power, with the end goal of staying in power no matter the circumstances.

Creating a soft dictatorship

Not everything can be solved with democracy. Sometimes, especially in dire circumstances (such as Singapore before Lee Kuan Yew) an authoritative approach is needed. History has proven that in times of war (or when pivot is needed), the leaders that are most fit are more on the autocratic side and in peaceful times it is the opposite. In order for Singapore's reforms to become reality, two things were needed: a clear vision and firm hands to executed it. Lee Kuan Yew had both.

Why was a soft dictatorship needed?

In one of his famous speeches, he compared Singapore with the fruit durian. He said that if Singapore was like an orange, the juice would already have been squeezed by the other more powerful players on the world stage. But instead even when it is small in size, it is more like a durian - highly nutritious, but hard to squeeze. If you attempt to squeeze it, your hands will get hurt. Don't hope that people won't squeeze you, instead become hard to squeeze.

Become impossible to squeeze

Lee Kuan Yew became the man of the people by deeply caring for the well being of the common man. He made it priority number one to increase the standard of living for everyone, hence why he was so loved by his people. Even today, people speak about him with utmost respect, love and gratitude for what he has done for the country. This was achieved not through self-indulgence or greediness, but instead through hard work and grand vision. In one of his speeches, he said that he views Singapore as his baby, due to the copious amount of effort and hard work he put into reforming the country.

Be a man of the people

Lee Kuan Yew's first priority was the well-being of the common man and not preserving the power that he had accumulated. Hence why he thought of a plan of succession before he stepped down from the prime minister role voluntarily. He knew that he would need a good plan of succession, if he wanted Singapore to continue prosper without him. Some even say that one of the best criteria for whether you did a good job in senior leadership, is the succession plan that you devise at the end of your career. Because did your results really matter, if everything is immediately destroyed once you exit?

Know when to step down

After his role of prime minister, he still remained involved in politics until his late years where he acted as a mentor. He switched his focus on dispersing the vast amount of wisdom and knowledge he had accumulated through his years. He gave lectures, seminars and acted as a teacher for the new generation.

Later in life

Lee Kuan Yew was the man who transformed Singapore making it what it is today.He did that with grand vision and firm hands. Even though he was closer to being a dictator, he still had the best interests of the country in mind and never made it about him having power just for the sake of having power. He had this mentality of being hard to squeeze (because people will try to squeeze you, especially when you are rich in nutrients). People loved and admired him as they understood he cared deeply for their well being.

Summary

Lee Kuan Yew was the person who transformed Singapore from a small island to one of the most advanced and well recognized economies in the world

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

politics

Politics

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

Lee Kuan Yew: The man who transformed Singapore forever

Shogun is a novel written by James Clavell and was recently adapted in a film series by FX. It is about the battle for power between the daimyos. Well, it is a lot more than that, but that's the main theme. Proven through history, not the strongest survive, but the smartest, most adaptable to the situation.One should be willing to learn from anything, be it from movies, books or everyday life. Well, in Shogun there are many hidden wisdom gems that we can learn from.

Keep your enemies guessing and it is even better if you make them guess wrong. It is really hard to win a battle, if you do not know your enemies true intentions. And the opposite is also true, it is much easier to defeat an opponent if you know his moves in advance. That's why you should strive to conceal your next moves to your opponent. The surprise will increase your chances of winning by a lot. Toranaga is a master of this, he never really showed his true intentions to anyone, even to his closest people.

Do not show your true intentions to your 'enemies'

You should strive to make decisions that are logical, instead of emotional. Emotional decisions are rarely the correct ones. Instead try to look the situation from above. Play the situation, but remove yourself from the main role. Instead put some random person, but do not change the circumstances. Now, ask yourself what is the best move for the random person you've just placed. What should he do? How should he react? This helps a lot in making your decisions rational instead of emotional. Toranaga never really made an emotional decision, even if it was related to his closest circle.

Do not make emotional decisions

No matter the situation, plan it in advance. Imagine you are playing chess, the best players are the ones who can plan (correctly) the most moves ahead. The better you are at 'predicting' the most likely outcomes, the more likely you are to win. Make a simulation about the situation, imagine that you do X, how will things play out? What will the counterparty do? What's your move then and so on. Usually if you are able to plan 2 moves ahead, that will make a big change. 5 is ideal. Toranaga made sure that everything was planned out to the closest detail.

Plan in advance

Let's bring back the chess concept. You should not only plan for what your opponent will do next, but also plan your best response to this move. Well, if we are to go one step beyond, you should make such moves that your opponent doesn't have any good options. No matter what he does, you are still in better position. This was perfectly played out by Toranaga when he sent Mariko to Osaka. No matter how Ishido would have responded to the request of freeing the 'hostages', Toranaga would have gained an advantage. He simply gains better position WHEN his opponent responds (no matter HOW).

Think of the best moves

Let's recap:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not show your true intentions to your enemies</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Do not make emotional decisions</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Plan in advance</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Make the best moves</li></ol>That's only some of the lessons that could be extracted from this gigantic wisdom of power play.

What can we learn from the wisest daimyo in Shogun: Toranaga?

movies

Movies & Shows

Toranaga: the wisest daimyo in Shogun

The term "hedonism" is derived from the Greek "hedone" meaning simply "pleasure". In common language, Hedonism has come to mean devotion to pleasure as a way of life, especially to the pleasures of the senses, and is synonymous with sensualism, libertinism, debauchery and dissipation.

Term

Hedonism is the philosophy that pleasure is the most important pursuit of mankind, and the only thing that is good for an individual. Hedonists, therefore, strive to maximize their total pleasure (the net of any pleasure less any pain or suffering). They believe that pleasure is the only good in life, and pain is the only evil, and our life's goal should be to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Psychological Hedonism is the view that humans are psychologically constructed in such a way that we exclusively desire pleasure. Ethical Hedonism, on the other hand, is the view that our fundamental moral obligation is to maximize pleasure or happiness. It is the normative claim that we should always act so as to produce our own pleasure.

The Paradox of Hedonism (also called the Pleasure Paradox), points out that pleasure and happiness are strange phenomena that do not obey normal principles, in that they cannot be acquired directly, only indirectly and we often fail to attain pleasures if we deliberately seek them.

The Paradox

Hedonism usually pre-supposes an individualist stance, and is associated with Egoism (the claim that individuals should always seek their own good in all things). Epicureanism is a more moderate approach (which still seeks to maximize happiness, but which defines happiness more as a state of tranquillity than pleasure). A similar but more altruistic approach results in Utilitarianism, the position that the moral worth of any action is determined by its contribution to overall utility in maximizing happiness or pleasure as summed among all people.

Stance

HEDONISM

In various countries across Africa, tribal rituals involve dancing, singing, and clapping to ward off evil spirits believed to exploit eclipses to harm humans.

African Tribal Rituals:

People gather in public squares to watch the eclipse and exchange greetings, food, and sweets. They wish each other well during this unique astronomical event.

Syrian Eclipse Festival:

The Sun Dance is a spiritual and significant occasion for Navajo tribes, where people come together to eat, dance, and sing as part of their eclipse celebration.

Navajo Sun Dance:

Eclipses hold mystical significance in Indian culture, often seen as inauspicious times for eating or engaging in spiritual activities. Prayers, fasting, and donations are considered essential during these periods

Indian Eclipse Observations

Shamans and their followers conduct special rituals and prayers during the eclipse, believing they enhance spirituality and provide protection from evil spirits.

Shamanic Celebrations in Russia

♦️Exploring Global Eclipse Traditions: Dive into the diverse world of eclipse rituals and celebrations across cultures. From African tribal dances to Indian observances and shamanic rituals in Russia, explore the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices surrounding these celestial events.

Worldly Eclipses: A Journey into Dazzling Rituals and Diverse Cultures

Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.

The reasons for emigration are as diverse as the people who do emigrate ...Here are some examples for economic migration:<ul><li>poverty </li><li>desire for better economic opportunities and improved living conditions </li></ul>Other reasons for mass migration are:<ul><li>environmental catastrophes </li><li>religious persecution </li><li>political oppression </li><li>(civil) war</li></ul>As a consequence of these circumstances, people leave their former place in droves in search for liberty and safety.

Reasons for emigrating 🗺 👣

In times of an economic boom countries often recruit foreign workers:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">e.g. when Germany 🇩🇪 hired "guest workers" in the 1950s</li><li class="ql-align-justify">e.g. in the USA 🇺🇸 immigrants gave rise to the concept of the melting pot, where all ethnic identities were merged to the American one</li></ul>Sadly, wars are not only a historical topic, but an actual problem in many areas worldwide. A few sample are:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">PAST: After World War II Europe 🇪🇺 had to cope with millions of displaced people.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">NOW: As a consequence of Russia's 🇷🇺 - or rather Putin's - war of aggression against Ukraine 🇺🇦 many citizens flee to Europe. </li></ul>

Different groups who come to other countries 👥️ 🌍

REGARDLESS OF OUR DIFFERENCES, WE ARE ALL THE SAME - HUMANS! ♡

Millions of people worldwide risk their lives illegally crossing borders because of circumstances beyond their control. Many of them become victims of human traffickers who exploit their desperate situation. The dangerous passage to a new home frequently results in death, and the asylum seekers often face:<ul><li>discrimination</li><li> racism </li><li>xenophobia </li><li>resentment</li></ul>Anti-immigration groups claim that migrants ostensibly <ul><li>are a drain on society </li><li>call for too many benefits </li><li>take jobs away from locals</li></ul>But, these fears are not justified❗️

Negative responses to immigration 😞

It was already mentioned, that the ostensible opinions on immigration are not true. This is so, because immigrants:<ul><li>pay more taxes than locals </li><li>are often well-educated in their countries of origin</li><li>tend to be young and healthy (advantageous for countries suffering from demographic problems like an ageing population with a shrinking workforce that has to support a growing number of pensioners)</li><li>bring needed professional skills</li></ul>Immigration and migration in general:<ul><li>broaden our horizons</li><li>enrich our culture</li><li>create an atmosphere of tolerance </li><li>new cultural specialties become part of a local identity of a city </li></ul>

Positive aspects of immigration ☺️

Last but not least, I would like to point out some ideas for ensuring ethnic diversity which is an asset for every country.Here are some tips for promoting multiculturalism:<ul><li>learning about each other through social communication and socialising </li><li>encouraging open discussions </li><li>incorporating multicultural ideas</li><li>organising cultural exchange programs </li><li>promoting cross-cultural understanding and friendships </li><li>ensuring bilingual education </li><li>education people about cultural misconceptions and prejudices </li><li>highlighting positive contributions </li><li>advocating for policies </li><li>addressing systemic inequalities </li><li>collaborations</li><li>...</li></ul>

Establishing an open pluralistic multicultural environment 🫶🫂

In diversity, there is beauty and there is strength.

Have you ever thought of emigrating? Because many people do so or are even pretty much forced to do so. Thus, the question arises, how we can face the worldwide phenomenon of migration. 🌐👣🌍

problemsolving

Problem Solving

teamwork

Teamwork

Multiculturalism in a diverse world: immigration and integration 

Uncover the power of stoic philosophy to navigate modern challenges with grace and resilience, learning from the likes of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca to maintain inner calm in a chaotic world.

Discovering Strength in Stoicism

Embrace the teachings of Epicurus to find happiness in life's simple pleasures, creating a balance between desire and fulfillment that resonates with today's fast-paced lifestyle.

Epicurean Joy in Simplicity

Bored Karbatos’s book offers a collection of insightful quotes including quotes from famous Ancient Greeks partnered by personal insights, providing a modern-day connection to the timeless wisdom of ancient philosophers.<a href="https://boredkarbatos.com">Get a free copy of the preview today</a>!

"Insights Unveiled: A Journey Through Quotes"

Enhance your cognitive abilities and unlock deeper philosophical understanding with this <a href="https://28e11jngq10f5s3clfrl64zr11.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=deepk">quick audio exercise</a>, syncing your brain to the theta state to maximize brain power and insight.

7-Second Brain Activation Hack

Apply Aristotelian principles to cultivate moral character and achieve personal excellence, balancing practical wisdom with ethical living in the pursuit of a well-rounded life.

Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics in Action

Use<a href="https://freemeditationscripts.com/meditation-script/anxiety/calming-the-storm-a-free-guided-meditation-script-for-anxiety/"> free meditation scripts</a> to incorporate Buddhist mindfulness practices into your daily routine, enhancing mental clarity and

Meditating with the Mindfulness of Buddhism

Engage in self-reflection and critical thinking by adopting Socrates’s method of questioning, fostering a deeper understanding of oneself and the world to drive meaningful change.

The Socratic Method of Inquiry

Explore how Plato’s theory of forms can influence modern thought and creativity, providing a framework for understanding the ideals that shape our reality and aspirations.

Platonic Ideals and Real-World Applications

Can ancient wisdom unlock your potential today?

travel

Travel

Philosophical Reflections for the Modern Mind

"memory-based narrative production is intimately linked to patterns of political, economic, and cultural state accommodation for minorities."

"Just as citizens can use memories of violence to make cultural rights claims, state leaders may use memories for entirely different purposes, thus flagging the malleability of memory."

"Public narratives require an audience beyond the immediate affected community. Individuals and communities must be able to craft narratives that are intriguing or shocking enough to draw in outside listeners."

"different storytellers emphasize preferred aspects of a memory in order to make the resulting narratives more in line with their purposes."

"social memory may shift in order to be instrumentally useful to those doing the remembering."

"Collective memory is a social act constructed within the vehicle of narrative, which allows for memory dispersion and perpetuation."

Ethnic minority communities make claims for cultural rights from states in different ways depending on how governments include them in policies and practices of accommodation or assimilation. However, institutional explanations don’t tell the whole story, as individuals and communities also protest, using emotionally compelling narratives about past wrongs to justify their claims for new rights protections. Democratization and Memories of Violence: Ethnic minority rights movements in Mexico, Turkey, and El Salvador examines how ethnic minority communities use memories of state and paramilitary violence to shame states into cooperating with minority cultural agendas such as the right to mother tongue education. Shaming and claiming is a social movement tactic that binds historic violence to contemporary citizenship. Combining theory with empirics, the book accounts for how democratization shapes citizen experiences of interest representation and how memorialization processes challenge state regimes of forgetting at local, state, and international levels. Democratization and Memories of Violence draws on six case studies in Mexico, Turkey, and El Salvador to show how memory-based narratives serve as emotionally salient leverage for marginalized communities to facilitate state consideration of minority rights agendas. This book will be of interest to postgraduates and researchers in comparative politics, development studies, sociology, international studies, peace and conflict studies and area studies.

communication

Communication

Mneesha Gellman

Democratization and Memories of Violence

Find 100+ fun History Facts - European, American, Black, Asian across various periods - Curated by our community from books, articles or documentaries