Altruism (Social Exchange Theory): "When you help others, you can't help helping yourself!"

Minnie Low



In this delightful song from the Broadway musical "Avenue Q", homeless Nicky is asking his friend Princeton for some money (and later, cast joins in), and rather than evoking empathy from Princeton, Nicky tries to convince him (and succeeds) to give him money by telling him that he will feel better about himself (0:19; "Helping others brings you closer to God"... "The more you give, the more you get!"). This is an example is not-true altruism; people/puppets are helping because they will feel better about themselves.

relevant lyrics:
"When you help others,
You can’t help helping yourself!
When you help others,
You can’t help helping yourself!
Every time you
Do good deeds
You’re also serving
Your own needs.
When you help others,
You can’t help helping yourself!"

This musical is awesome.
beware of puppets seeking money.