Question #8825:

"Do we do good deeds because it is in ourselves to such acts or are our deeds motivated by some form of reward either perceived or otherwise?"














Lets first consider the question, what is a good deed? Is a deed good because of its intentions? Or because of its outcome? For the sake of this arguement, lets just say that a good deed is good because it provides some form of benefit to whom ever the deed is directed at, without too much negative impact on others. What the intention is of little importance because good intentions can go wrong.




Now, what motivates people to perform such deeds?

Karma, We do something good, so that the universe will do something good for us?

Salvation, We do a good deed so that we may buy into God's good books?

Favour, We do a good act so that the person who so benefitted from us will feel compelled to return our act?

Vocation, We do it because we are paid or its written in our job scope?

Pressure, we are forced to do an act so that our peers may think more highly of us?

Intangiable Reward, we hope that there is something to gain out of our kind act?



What about good deeds, seeking no reward or compensation? Does anyone truly do this?Answer the question honestly. When I say seeking no reward or compensation, you do a good deed because it is a good deed, because it is what you want to do? No reward or compensation is expected, in fact you expect that because of your good deed you will suffer a loss.

How many such good deeds have you done?



I'll be honest, not many. The Six motivations I have stated earlier are my own motivations, my own reasons for why I choose to do certain things. Is it still good because I had an incentive to do it? Or does that wash it all away?
But I will say, I have done things and expected nothing, gained nothing. Not that I have regretted any of them.

Just a rant, while spending another sleepless night ...