Virginia Tech, 2007: when a gunman tried to enter Room 204 in Norris Hall, Professor Liviu Librescu didn’t hesitate. He sprang to the door, holding it shut. The assailant began shooting through it. Shot four times, Librescu held it closed long enough for all but one student to escape out the windows.  The professor gave his life for others: the ultimate act of altruism.

What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us;

what we have done for others and the world remains

and is immortal. (Albert Pike)

Altruism is generosity raised to the level of self-sacrifice. History is replete with examples of people such as Nelson Mandela or Martin Luther King, who sacrificed their freedom or their life for the greater good. But is altruism today shown only by a rare few? No!

Inspiring examples are all around us. Every year, hundreds donate one of their kidneys to a stranger. Thousands donate bone marrow. Millions donate blood or register as organ donors.

One of them was Harley Swank, whose decision at age nineteen to become an organ donor saved my life in 2018.

… interested in some inspiring tips on altruism, and some exercises to get you started?