24 November 2012

altruism

[al-troo-iz-uhm]
noun
1. the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others ( opposed to egoism).
2. Animal Behavior . behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator.

‘altruist

— n

altru’istic

— adj

altru’istically

— adv

Example sentence:

Perhaps the key debate centers on whether giving is driven by altruism or self-centred motives.

Today’s aphorism

‘I’m a believer. I don’t go to church. I don’t belong to any particular religion, but I do believe in God. I couldn’t write what I write about and be creative without a certain form of belief’.

– Nick Cave

On this day

24 November 1806 – birth of William Webb Ellis, Anglican clergyman who is credited for creating Rugby Union after allegedly picking up the ball during a soccer match and running with it, while a student at Rugby School. Died 24 February 1872.

24 November 1991 – death of Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara). British musician and vocalist. Lead singer of rock group, Queen. Died 5 September 1946.