Chapter 19: Exploring Altruistic Motives in Career Counseling

Noted in the writings of Plato, the classic tension between self-interest and genuine altruism challenges our understanding of human nature and moral life. Scholars have revisited this concept, from Hobbes and J. S. Mill, who emphasized egotistic motives, to Hume, Rousseau and St. Thomas Aquinas, who elaborated on possible paths to selfless acts. Given its focus on helping and connection to our present world challenges, altruism colors the career decision process for many. Acknowledged in most major work values taxonomies and passionately sought by many throughout their lives, altruism affects the selection of career goals. Individuals from diverse occupations seek to realize prosocial goals through work, citizenship and other life roles. Many counselors embrace the value of altruism through perceptive practice, research, teaching, supervision, and social justice endeavors. Therefore, altruism warrants substantial attention, not only in counseling with clients pursuing helping professions, but for everyone contemplating how to improve our world.