I'm not sure Noble and Altruistic are the same. My understanding of Altruism is Selflessness. Noble is Good Character.....Selflessness not required.

We've all heard stories of men who throw themselves on the grenade in their midst. I believe that to be altruistic even if there are witnesses. For that split second, they forget themselves; they just act.

Noble is doing the Right Thing, just because it is Right. Even when it costs you. Maybe especially, when it costs you.

I know I have done things for others, sight unseen, with no reward in sight. Maybe not as often as I should have, probably, but sometimes. I believe we've all done the same.

I don't know that those acts qualify as altruistic, though; I usually do it because it makes me feel good to do so. I feel good when I can help another person. We all do.

We've both been widowed. I hope you don't mind I said that. Yours many years ago, mine a year ago. Something I learned afterwards has really stayed with me. Maybe you've felt this too.

People want to do things for us. They really want to help us. It makes a person feel good to be able to help another. Altruistic? Maybe not.

But how about the person that accepts such help, even when it's something they can provide for themselves? They allow another to help, simply because it makes the other person feel good.

I guess I see Altruism in a different light now.

j8a