In what specific ways is altruism the abnegation of the self?

Question:I already know some ways that altruism works this way. But I want a longer list. "Best" goes to the most profound, or the most far-reaching in its psychological implications.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I already know some ways that altruism works this way. But I want a longer list. "Best" goes to the most profound, or the most far-reaching in its psychological implications.

First of all, I'm not convinced altruism really exists.
Think about it, because even though people may do things without thinking about themselves, how long would someone continue to do so without ANY acnkowledgement?

Even a dog wants an occasional pat on the head
Quid pro quo

I wasn't going to answer, cuz I really don't know (interesting question by the way), but from your first answer, I feel I have to. This is a very weak response. Can you imagine a person choosing altruism in a situation where there really is no acknowledgment to be had by doing that act? Yes, we have free will to do so regardless. What would stop us?

I am not a philosophy student, but I'll share this with you.

I was a nurse and I worked in a nursing home for 5 years. During the first year or so, everything was ok. Then gradually standards began to drop and residents were neglected.

I complained verbally all the time. When things didn't change, I wrote to my manager. The two letters I sent were ignored. I continued to complain about everything I witnessed.

After one particularly horrendous weekend of dealing with the effects of neglect, I whistle blew. Many of my complaints were upheld and things improved a little.

However they started to deteriorate again, especially under new management. By this time I was getting increasingly stressed trying to deal with the situation with no support - I gave my all and in the end my health was affected and I had to leave a job I loved because I was burnt out.

Not sure if that's what you needed.

Objection. Assumes facts not in evidence. I don't think altruism is any abnegation of self. It is an expression of self, a giving.

has a nursing student we learn that our pacients recovery and especially their well being is the most important in our goals and actions. we do everything for that. as such being altruism cames as a giving everything without expecting anything at all back from the other. not a thanks, not a smile....just the achievement of health (complete sensation of well being) in every possible way.