I believe that altruism does exist, but it totally depends on the person and the situation. I know that there are certain people in my life that I would do ANYTHING for, no matter the consequences. And I wouldn't expect anything back for my acts, not even a thank you. But even then, I would obviously reap SOMETHING, no matter how small, from the act (they are still alive to be in my life, they can now go to dinner because I'm paying for them, etc). But there are people that I want to please or appease, such as a boss, someone I may want to date, or an enemy. These things I would do for praise/raise, sexual pleasure and benefits, and to keep the peace. So, I believe it exists, but it is circumstantial.
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