Rising KashmirRising KashmirRising Kashmir
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
    • Kashmir
    • City
    • Jammu
    • Politics
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Search

Archives

  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022

Categories

  • Anchor
  • Breaking
  • Business
  • City
  • Developing Story
  • Editorial
  • Education
  • Features
  • Health
  • Interview
  • Jammu
  • Jammu and Kashmir News
  • Kashmir
  • Kashmir Tourism
  • Kath Bath
  • National
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Technology
  • Top Stories
  • Trending
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Viewpoint
  • World
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Good Deeds and Their Timeless Rewards: Altruism or Social Flaunt?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Rising KashmirRising Kashmir
Font ResizerAa
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Search
  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • News
    • Kashmir
    • City
    • Jammu
    • Politics
  • Health
  • Anchor
  • Features
  • Interview
  • Video
Follow US
© 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Rising Kashmir > Blog > Viewpoint > Good Deeds and Their Timeless Rewards: Altruism or Social Flaunt?
Viewpoint

Good Deeds and Their Timeless Rewards: Altruism or Social Flaunt?

SANJAY PANDITA
Last updated: July 10, 2024 2:08 am
SANJAY PANDITA
Published: July 10, 2024
Share
10 Min Read
SHARE

In the intricate tapestry of life, our good deeds are the threads of gold that weave a legacy of hope, love, and enduring goodness

 

 

In the labyrinth of existence, where shadows often obscure our path and the cacophony of life’s demands drowns out the softer whispers of our conscience, the belief that good deeds are always rewarded stands as a beacon of hope. This notion, as timeless as the human spirit itself, transcends cultures and epochs, threading through the very fabric of our moral and ethical understandings.

 

At the heart of the concept lies the intrinsic human belief in a moral compass that guides our actions. We are driven not just by instinct and necessity, but by an innate sense of right and wrong. This moral compass, which philosopher Immanuel Kant refers to as the “categorical imperative,” compels us to act out of a sense of duty and for the greater good, rather than from a desire for personal gain.

 

Kant’s ethical theory suggests that good deeds are performed because they are inherently right, and it is this inherent righteousness that eventually leads to reward. The reward may not always be immediate or even tangible, but it is embedded in the fabric of the cosmos, aligning our fates with the higher order of justice and balance. As Kant famously said, “Two things awe me most, the starry sky above me and the moral law within me.”

 

The belief in the inevitable reward for good deeds is also eloquently captured in literature, a mirror to our collective consciousness. Charles Dickens, in his timeless classic A Christmas Carol, embodies this in the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge’s journey from a miserly, selfish man to a benevolent, caring individual illustrates how good deeds can lead to profound personal redemption and societal harmony. His acts of kindness not only reward him with personal happiness and companionship but also ripple out to positively affect those around him.

 

Similarly, in Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, the character of Jean Valjean represents the triumph of goodness over adversity. Valjean’s numerous acts of kindness, from rescuing a destitute child to sacrificing his own safety for others, illustrate the eternal truth that goodness begets goodness. Hugo’s narrative reassures us that, despite the often harsh and unjust nature of society, good deeds shine through and are ultimately rewarded, whether through the restoration of personal dignity, the loyalty of friends, or the peace that comes from a clear conscience.

 

 

Religious texts, too, are replete with assurances of the rewards of good deeds. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises, “Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give away, and whatever austerity you perform, do that as an offering to Me” (9:27). This underscores the belief that selfless actions performed as offerings to the divine are inherently rewarded, aligning one’s life with the cosmic order and bringing spiritual fulfillment.

 

The Rig Veda also speaks of the rewards of good deeds, emphasizing that righteousness and duty lead to prosperity and peace. The notion of karma, central to Hindu philosophy, holds that every action has consequences, and thus good deeds inevitably lead to positive outcomes, either in this life or in future incarnations.

 

In the Holy  Quran, it is said, “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do” (16:97).

 

These scriptures reinforce the notion that the universe is governed by a divine justice system where every deed is accounted for, and where ultimate reward or punishment awaits. The very act of performing good deeds is seen as an act of faith, an affirmation of one’s trust in a higher power and the moral order it upholds.

 

Philosophers have long pondered the nature of good deeds and their rewards. Aristotle, in his Nicomachean Ethics, introduced the concept of eudaimonia, often translated as ‘flourishing’ or ‘the good life’. According to Aristotle, the highest human good is the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue. He argues that true happiness comes from living a life of virtue, where good deeds are their own reward. The pleasure and satisfaction derived from virtuous acts contribute to a fulfilling and flourishing life.

 

In more modern times, the philosopher John Stuart Mill, a proponent of utilitarianism, posited that actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they produce the opposite. Mill’s principle suggests that good deeds, by their very nature of increasing the overall happiness and well-being, contribute to the greater good and thus are inherently rewarding. He encapsulates this thought succinctly: “Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.”

 

From a psychological perspective, good deeds often trigger a sense of well-being and satisfaction. Acts of kindness release endorphins, the brain’s natural painkillers, leading to what is often referred to as the “helper’s high.” This phenomenon has been studied extensively, revealing that altruistic behavior not only benefits the recipient but also enhances the mental and emotional health of the giver. The simple act of helping others can lead to increased feelings of happiness, reduced stress levels, and even a longer lifespan.

 

 

 

Socially, good deeds foster a sense of community and interconnectedness. When individuals engage in acts of kindness, they contribute to a culture of reciprocity and trust. This social capital, as sociologists term it, is crucial for the functioning of healthy communities and societies. The ripple effect of good deeds can inspire others to act similarly, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances the collective well-being.

 

The belief that good deeds are always rewarded resonates deeply within the human spirit. It speaks to our fundamental need for justice, our yearning for a moral order, and our hope for a better world. Whether through religious teachings, philosophical reflections, psychological benefits, or social impacts, the rewards of good deeds manifest in myriad ways.

 

In a world often beset by challenges and uncertainties, this belief offers a guiding light. It encourages us to act with kindness, compassion, and integrity, knowing that our actions, however small, contribute to a greater good. As the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow aptly put it, “The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well; and doing well whatever you do, without a thought of fame.”

 

In contemporary society, the visibility and recognition of good deeds have taken on new dimensions with the advent of social media. Acts of kindness and charity are often broadcast online, garnering likes, shares, and comments. While this can inspire others and spread positivity, it also raises questions about the motivations behind these actions. Are good deeds performed for genuine altruism or for social approval and personal branding?

 

The public display of good deeds can sometimes blur the lines between selflessness and self-promotion. While the end result—a good deed—remains beneficial, the intention behind it can impact its perceived sincerity. This phenomenon invites us to reflect on our motivations and to strive for a balance where our actions are driven by genuine compassion, even if they happen to be shared publicly.

 

Ultimately, the rewards of good deeds lie not just in external validation or recognition but in the profound sense of fulfillment and peace that comes from knowing we have made a positive difference. In the intricate tapestry of life, our good deeds are the threads of gold that weave a legacy of hope, love, and enduring goodness.

 

(Author is a columnist and can be reached at: [email protected])

 

 

 

 

World Environment Day 2023: Plastic will make our end drastic!
How IPL is Shaping the Future of Indian Cricket: Unearthing Talent from Rural Areas and Kashmir
The Role of Immunotherapy in Lung Cancer Treatment
Wielding The Pen Deftly As A Gun: Service Officers As Authors
Health care must be affordable and accessible to all

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp Copy Link Print
Previous Article Literary Beats: A Study of Ghani Ghayoor’s Literary Works in Urdu
Next Article Another batch of pilgrims leaves for Amarnath Yatra from Pantha Chowk
Leave a Comment Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

1MFollowersLike
262kFollowersFollow
InstagramFollow
234kSubscribersSubscribe
Google NewsFollow

Latest News

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Dy NSA Pavan Kapoor meet US Under Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby
Breaking National
May 30, 2025
Security stepped up in Poonch ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit
Breaking Jammu and Kashmir News
May 30, 2025
“Excellent discussions”: All-Party delegation wraps up Saudi visit with focus on terrorism and strategic ties
Breaking National
May 30, 2025
Counter Intelligence wing of J-K Police conduct raids across Kashmir valley in terror link case
Breaking Kashmir
May 30, 2025

Recent Posts

  • Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Dy NSA Pavan Kapoor meet US Under Secretary of Defence Elbridge Colby
  • Security stepped up in Poonch ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit
  • “Excellent discussions”: All-Party delegation wraps up Saudi visit with focus on terrorism and strategic ties
  • Counter Intelligence wing of J-K Police conduct raids across Kashmir valley in terror link case
  • India’s Purple Revolution to take centre stage at Bhaderwah festival

Recent Comments

  1. BASHIR AHMAD BHAT on Poor hotel accommodation, lack of medical facilities irk Kashmiri pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, video goes viral
  2. sree vishnu movies on Pahalgam attack shatters Kashmir’s film tourism revival
  3. SavePlus on AI and Behavioural Analytics in Gaming: Making the World of Gaming Better
  4. Parul on Govt acknowledges faulty streetlights on Narbal-Tangmarg road
  5. dr gora on Women Veterinarians and the Goal of Viksit Bharat

Contact Us

Flat No 7,Press Enclave, Srinagar, 190001
0194 2477887
9971795706
[email protected]
[email protected]

Quick Link

  • E-Paper
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Top Categories

Stay Connected

1.06MLike
262.5kFollow
InstagramFollow
234.3kSubscribe
WhatsAppFollow
Rising KashmirRising Kashmir
Follow US
© 2025. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?