In "Colson the Volunteer," the text vividly recounts the story of a man named Colson, who willingly volunteered to help the Jewish prisoners at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. Colson’s actions are depicted as selfless; he risks his life and well-being to aid others who are suffering immensely. In a particularly moving part of the passage, Colson reflects on the nature of his commitment, stating that helping the desperate feels more like a moral obligation than a choice. This idea speaks to an understanding of altruism, as his motivations seem to stem from a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others, without any apparent desire for personal gain. Rather than seeking recognition or reward, Colson's focus is solely on alleviating the pain of those around him. The text uses vivid imagery to illustrate the dire conditions of the camp and the profound impact Colson’s actions have on the lives of the prisoners, emphasizing that even in the most dire situations, he acts in accordance with his moral principles (Moral Life, p. 250). This passage sheds light on the essence of altruism by presenting a powerful example of how one individual can rise above self-interest to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others amidst overwhelming adversity.
Reflecting on Colson's actions and the concepts of altruism and egoism, I find it fascinating how the two ideas often intersect in the context of human behavior. While altruism is defined as the selfless concern for the well-being of others, egoism focuses on actions driven by self-interest. I believe that Colson might represent a pure form of altruism; however, one could argue that part of his motivation may also include an intrinsic satisfaction from helping others—suggesting a complex interplay between altruism and egoism. In many situations, people might help others while simultaneously gaining a sense of fulfillment or moral superiority, blurring the line between selfless acts and actions motivated by personal gain. This complexity raises questions about the purity of altruism: can any act of kindness truly be devoid of self-interest? Personal motivations can be multi-layered, and sometimes the drive to help others might fulfill an individual's need for meaning or purpose. Furthermore, this discussion also brings to light societal structures that can encourage both altruistic and egoistic behaviors. For instance, in environments that highly value charity and compassion, individuals may feel social pressure to act kindly, which may also serve their desire for social acceptance or belonging. Thus, while we celebrate acts of kindness like those of Colson, it's essential to recognize and appreciate the varying motivations behind such actions rather than simply labeling them as purely altruistic or egoistic. Overall, this passage challenges us to think about the nuances involved in our motivations for helping others, highlighting that even in the most extreme circumstances, our actions might be influenced by a combination of selfless and self-serving desires.