We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we give. (i) Highlight the importance of value of altruism for a society. (ii) Discuss the role of education in imparting such values.

i) Value of altruism for a society

• A society is a collective of individuals living within a frameworks of laws, rules, culture etc.
• Individual needs may be aligned with societal needs or may be exclusive or family.
• An individual can live, grow and prosper only in a stable, tolerant, accepting society.
• The greater good is very important, and being altruistic is necessary for the greater good.
• Altruism brings about social cohesion and co-operations and helps maximise social capital.

eg: The fishermen of Kerala with little regard to their lives and property rescued a lot of people stranded in Kerala floods 2018. This has strengthened the social bond and vitalised rehabilitation and reconstruction.

ii) Education in developing altruistic values

• Education, especially at primary and secondary levels condition a child to the reality and needs of society.
• It teaches the importance of unity, co-operation through contemporary and historical lessons.
• Moreover, it gives practical experience on vis a vis team activities, importance of greater good etc.
• It broadens the view and opens the mind to different possibilities, and foster empathy -> the ingredients for altruism.