What Motivates You To Do "Good"?

[_Jersey Girl]

Mon,

While I don't feel like going into this in depth, the motivation isn't unique to believers or atheists and each of those groups would be in error to think that one group had more or less capacity to do good than another. It isn't limited to groups.

It is embedded in our sociological DNA.

[_Moniker]

Mon,

While I don't feel like going into this in depth, the motivation isn't unique to believers or atheists and each of those groups would be in error to think that one group had more or less capacity to do good than another. It isn't limited to groups.

It is embedded in our sociological DNA.

I don't think it's unique either. Theists say that atheists only take actions from self-interest, usually. Nehor even spoke to this as those that have a higher purpose... To do good acts where you know your reward is heaven sounds like self interest, to me... :)

[_The Nehor]

Mon,

While I don't feel like going into this in depth, the motivation isn't unique to believers or atheists and each of those groups would be in error to think that one group had more or less capacity to do good than another. It isn't limited to groups.

It is embedded in our sociological DNA.

I don't think it's unique either. Theists say that atheists only take actions from self-interest, usually. Nehor even spoke to this as those that have a higher purpose... To do good acts where you know your reward is heaven sounds like self interest, to me... :)

I wasn't limiting that to theists. Many have died for causes they love that have nothing to do with God or a heaven waiting for them. I wouldn't call it self-interest though.

[_Moniker]

Mon,

While I don't feel like going into this in depth, the motivation isn't unique to believers or atheists and each of those groups would be in error to think that one group had more or less capacity to do good than another. It isn't limited to groups.

It is embedded in our sociological DNA.

I don't think it's unique either. Theists say that atheists only take actions from self-interest, usually. Nehor even spoke to this as those that have a higher purpose... To do good acts where you know your reward is heaven sounds like self interest, to me... :)

I wasn't limiting that to theists. Many have died for causes they love that have nothing to do with God or a heaven waiting for them. I wouldn't call it self-interest though.

What motivates you to do good, Nehor?

[_Jersey Girl]

Mon,

While I don't feel like going into this in depth, the motivation isn't unique to believers or atheists and each of those groups would be in error to think that one group had more or less capacity to do good than another. It isn't limited to groups.

It is embedded in our sociological DNA.

I don't think it's unique either. Theists say that atheists only take actions from self-interest, usually. Nehor even spoke to this as those that have a higher purpose... To do good acts where you know your reward is heaven sounds like self interest, to me... :)

Yes, the rewards in heaven thing can sound like self interest and I'll try to engage that later as my own self interest motivates me to do so. ;-)

First, I want to qualify what I stated above regarding sociological DNA. I think that unless a human being is the product of abnormal growth and development, or has been the recipient of abuse that leads them to become very self protective and turn inward[/], human beings who are able to engage in perspective taking/have the ability to employ empathy, will tend to turn [i]outward.

[_Moniker]

Mon,

While I don't feel like going into this in depth, the motivation isn't unique to believers or atheists and each of those groups would be in error to think that one group had more or less capacity to do good than another. It isn't limited to groups.

It is embedded in our sociological DNA.

I don't think it's unique either. Theists say that atheists only take actions from self-interest, usually. Nehor even spoke to this as those that have a higher purpose... To do good acts where you know your reward is heaven sounds like self interest, to me... :)

Yes, the rewards in heaven thing can sound like self interest and I'll try to engage that later as my own self interest motivates me to do so. ;-)

First, I want to qualify what I stated above regarding sociological DNA. I think that unless a human being is the product of abnormal growth and development, or has been the recipient of abuse that leads them to become very self protective and turn inward[/], human beings who are able to engage in perspective taking/have the ability to employ empathy, will tend to turn [i]outward.

I'm my OP I mentioned this fleetingly and asked that we not delve off into it. I want to understand how self interest plays a part in motivations for good works and how this may or may not differ between theists and atheists.

[_The Nehor]

What motivates you to do good, Nehor?

Lots of different things. The Holy Ghost, my own self-interest, habit, herd instinct, affection, love, fear, compassion, by accident, desire for rewards....and probably dozens of others I can't think of right now.

[_Seven]

I'm not going to define good/morality for others, yet, will mention that, for me, in it's simplest form, it is attempting to not hurt others, essentially, and helping others when I have the ability to do so. Of course it's not always so simple, yet, let's pretend it is for a moment. :)

Do you have a somewhat different definition of doing or being good/moral?

I have self interest in being a moral person even when my actions may appear to be not from self interest, they really are in the overall scheme of things -- I recognize that my actions create my character, that I strive for peaceful relationships and this requires giving, at times, more than receiving, that helping others just really is very satisfying, to me, that living about others that are peaceful and happy makes my life peaceful and happy, that there are certain individuals that I have emotionally bonded with that I would sacrifice for (yet, my self interest in their good is being met by sacrifice) and that this world and life is fleeting and I must choose my actions carefully for there are no redos, no saving graces.


Of course there is another aspect that is the social pressures, how we've evolved to be social creatures, and how culture transmits mores to all... yet, I'm interested in the theists personal motivation (as they see it) to be good and how this may differ from atheists or how similar they may be.

So, what's your motivation?

When I do good, I feel good inside. If I hurt someone, I feel terrible. "Do unto others.." That would be my only self interest.
Much of what drives my choices are inherent personality traits.

I have self interest in my good deeds and works. Is there something wrong with that? I hear often that atheists only take actions because of self interest. I do yet, my self interest is met even when I'm being compassionate, charitable, loving, etc...

Why would atheists taking action to help others be out of self interest? It's the believers (namely LDS) who are promised Celestial rewards for their good deeds. I guess I don't understand why anyone would believe that. Having compassion for others is not self interest.

[_Moniker]

I'm not going to define good/morality for others, yet, will mention that, for me, in it's simplest form, it is attempting to not hurt others, essentially, and helping others when I have the ability to do so. Of course it's not always so simple, yet, let's pretend it is for a moment. :)

Do you have a somewhat different definition of doing or being good/moral?

I have self interest in being a moral person even when my actions may appear to be not from self interest, they really are in the overall scheme of things -- I recognize that my actions create my character, that I strive for peaceful relationships and this requires giving, at times, more than receiving, that helping others just really is very satisfying, to me, that living about others that are peaceful and happy makes my life peaceful and happy, that there are certain individuals that I have emotionally bonded with that I would sacrifice for (yet, my self interest in their good is being met by sacrifice) and that this world and life is fleeting and I must choose my actions carefully for there are no redos, no saving graces.


Of course there is another aspect that is the social pressures, how we've evolved to be social creatures, and how culture transmits mores to all... yet, I'm interested in the theists personal motivation (as they see it) to be good and how this may differ from atheists or how similar they may be.

So, what's your motivation?

When I do good, I feel good inside. If I hurt someone, I feel terrible. "Do unto others.." That would be my only self interest.
Much of what drives my choices are inherent personality traits.

I have self interest in my good deeds and works. Is there something wrong with that? I hear often that atheists only take actions because of self interest. I do yet, my self interest is met even when I'm being compassionate, charitable, loving, etc...

Why would atheists taking action to help others be out of self interest? It's the believers (namely LDS) who are promised Celestial rewards for their good deeds. I guess I don't understand why anyone would believe that. Having compassion for others is not self interest.

Well, if you have compassion for others and do things to alleviate their suffering then presumably it makes you feel better, as well...

[_asbestosman]

What motivates you to do good, Nehor?

Lots of different things. The Holy Ghost, my own self-interest, habit, herd instinct, affection, love, fear, compassion, by accident, desire for rewards....and probably dozens of others I can't think of right now.

I was waiting for you to add insanity to that list. ;)