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Jan 02, 2011, 11:57 AM
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Member Since: Nov 2002
Location: Mid World
Posts: 18,116
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Quote:
Originally Posted by terre
I'm fascinated by people whose vocation in life is to help people. Psychologists, social workers, counselors and "do-gooders" come to mind. I am nothing like them, and to some extent I feel guilty and inadequate. At the same time, I also believe that these people's desire to help people is pathological, and by that I mean, and I don't mean it in a derogatory sense, that something "abnormal" in their brains makes them care way too much about people (or animals or the environment). More than a defect I see it as a gift, and even though I'm so unlike those people, I often empathize with them; for example, I also experience feelings of indignation when I witness an injustice, but unfortunately I don't feel the desire to do anything about it. I just think about the injustice, empathize with the victims, suffer, forget about it, and move on with my life.
Can someone please expand a little more on this subject?
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As one of those "do gooders" I'm glad you explained what you meant by "pathological." I can't speak for anyone else, but in my case it's not to take the focus off myself or in order to gain approval of others. It's partly something I learned as a kid. My family reached out to people in need to help them with no intention of recognition or approval. In large part I help others because it's the "right" thing to do. Internally I have a sense of accomplishment, a warm fuzzy feeling inside when I've helped someone.
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