Altruism Quote by Mary Pipher
““Finally I teach the joys of altruism. Many adolescent girls are self-absorbed. It's not a character flaw, it's a developmental stage. Nonetheless, in makes them unhappy and limits their understanding of the world. I encourage girls to find some ways to help people on a regular basis.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher, 1994
Adolescent girls often focus inwardly, which can cause unhappiness and limited perspective; encouraging regular helping activities can broaden their view and improve wellbeing.
In simple terms: Teen girls can feel stuck in self‑focus; helping others expands horizons.
Key Takeaway
Encourage regular acts of kindness.
Themes
adolescence
self‑awareness
altruism
wellbeing
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
advice
motivational
When to use this quote
- school projects
- community service
- peer mentoring
- family volunteering
Key Concepts
developmental psychology
empathy building
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we make helping feel genuine rather than forced?
- What small acts can fit into a teen’s busy schedule?
A Different Perspective
Some girls may resist or feel pressured to help, reducing authenticity.
