re: Simple Question concerning altruism

Of course it is possible. Many of the things I'm most proud of have been for the service of others alone. However...if one does something solely for making oneself feel good, is it not also a selfish act?

There is a fascinating interview between Phil Donahue and Ayn Rand where she admits she loves to do things for the benefit of her husband and in service of him alone. She justifies her acts because she said she WANTED to do them. In other words she can justify her own acts of selflessness but not others. We are, as ever, a paradox. Is human kindness an illusion? I say not, but neither does it exist apart from self gain in some way.