--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Altruism has always been one of biology's…" description: "\"Altruism has always been one of biology's deep mysteries. Why should any animal, off on its own, specified and labeled by all sorts of signals as its i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a2/lewis-thomas-2299_aids_altruism-has-always-been-one-of-biology_2889748.png" --- # Altruism has always been one of biology's deep mysteries… ![“Altruism has always been one of biology's deep mysteries. Why should any animal, off on its own, specified and labeled by all sorts of signals as its individual self, choose to give up its life in aid of someone else?” quote by Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a2/lewis-thomas-2299_aids_altruism-has-always-been-one-of-biology_2889748.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a2/lewis-thomas-2299_aids_altruism-has-always-been-one-of-biology_2889748.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a2/lewis-thomas-2299_aids_altruism-has-always-been-one-of-biology_2889748.png) > “Altruism has always been one of biology's deep mysteries. Why should any animal, off on its own, specified and labeled by all sorts of signals as its individual self, choose to give up its life in aid of someone else?” [Lewis Thomas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-thomas/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Altruism puzzles biology because self‑preserving organisms sometimes sacrifice themselves for others, suggesting deeper evolutionary or social mechanisms. **In simple terms:** Altruism is a biological mystery. Key Takeaway Study cooperation, question self‑interest. Themes biology philosophy ethics evolution Mood thoughtful inquisitive Type theoretical philosophical When to use this quote - animal behavior studies - human charity - public policy Key Concepts self‑sacrifice social cohesion Questions to Reflect On - Why do some species evolve self‑less behavior? - Can altruism be taught? A Different Perspective Altruism can be exploited by selfish individuals. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Aids](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/aids/) [Altruism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/altruism/) [Altruism Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/altruism-biology-4050904/) [Animal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) [Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) [Generosity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generosity/) [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Giving up](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving-up/) [Humanitarianism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humanitarianism/) [Individual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual/) [Individual Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/individual-self-341972/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Mystery](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mystery/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Self Choose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-choose-4050905/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Signals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/signals/) ## Related quotes > [“Humankind, my valentine!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abhijit-naskar/humankind-my-valentine/) [Abhijit Naskar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abhijit-naskar/) > [“A humanitarian seldom makes a good lover. 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