The Importance of Self-Interest

Despite the increasing popularity of philanthropy, in some circles it is still unacceptable to be altruistic and not only among Americans. When celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Bono, or Amal and George Clooney support organisations that help the poor, we look for hidden, selfish reasons. We readily agree with the suggestion that they're doing it only for the publicity. Truly selfless behaviour makes us uncomfortable. Perhaps that is why we smile tolerantly at the practice of giving away a lot of money in return for naming rights for a concert hall or a wing of an art gallery. It reassures us that the donor is not really selfless and reinforces our assumptions about human motivation.