£50,000 to hear Geldof swear. - Page 3

WillowTheWhisp · 06-08-2005, 18:59

What about people who have helped others after an accident or somethng and then simply gone on their way? I've seen letters from people in newspapers trying to trace them to thank them but not knowing who they are then there is nothing they or anyone else can do.

Of course I can't name these selfless people because I don't know who they are.

I'm not objecting to Bob Geldof looking after his own pocket, just a bit cheesed off that he prevented others from doing the very same thing and insulted them for trying.

Tinkerbelle · 06-08-2005, 21:13

To be honest I think it would make a pretty good thread of it's own whether true altruism exists or not because I have to disagree with you Gayle ..... what about the little old lady who leaves every penny in her will to an animal santuary ....... what does she gain ?? Money ... no she was giving it .... and praise and attention not exactly any use to a dead person ?

WillowTheWhisp · 06-08-2005, 22:19

Yes, I tend to agree with Tinkerbelle. During the war there were a lot of stories of selfless giving too. I don't think people did it for the sake of praise.

How about blood donors? Do they count? Is it done for personal gain? I don't think so. They won't have mine these days but when I was a blood donor all I ever got out of it was aggro from my boss for taking so long off work because my blood flows very slowly.

Bone marrow donors, now that has to be altruistic because it's painful too.

If I could do something to help save the life of a child I don't think I'd be thinking of any benefit to myself. The child would be uppermost in my mind. Maybe that comes from having almost lost my daughter in a road accident, perhaps that helps me feel for other people. I don't know.

garinda · 06-08-2005, 22:29

Like it or not through Bob Geldof's actions, for whatever reason, children are alive today who would have starved to death. There was one on the stage at the Live8 concert.

What did Jesus say about suffer the children?

Blood donors if they so wish, can have a little badge, though many of course not choose not to. I for one wouldn't presume or judge them either way. If they choose to do it for selfish reasons, they provide a vital service.

Gayle · 08-08-2005, 10:27

Right, apologies all round here. I was in a foul mood the other day and to be honest had had my faith in people shaken a bit. Anyway, back to normal now.

But because I started this, I might as well finish it - with tongue in cheek, I must add!

Old dears who leave their money to their cats - gone a bit loopy or being spiteful towards their kids who've been cut out of the inheritance
Blood doners - an insurance policy against guilt should they ever need a blood donation themselves

People who help out at crashes/bombs etc - instinct, working on impulse - I might have to reluctantly give you this one - although only if they don't talk about it on Sky TV afterwards in which case it's glory they're after.

Most people's motives are generally good, even mine!