Is a charitable act still a charitable act if my motivations are selfish?

I wonder sometimes how you judge a charitable act to be charitable.  In other words if I perform an act of charity and good comes of it then the world is a better place.  However, what if my motivations were self-centered or my motivations were to gain notoriety, fame, ego gratification, gain some reward,etc.?  Does the act still constitute a charitable act?  Am I demonstrating charity?

I have to state "yes" for the recipient and "no" for myself.  I am starting to realize that charity is a two way street.  Not only does the recipient benefit, but you benefit as well from the act in many different ways. 

I argue that if the intention is to gratify ego/pride or gain status/reward based, then we do not really receive the benefit of the action.  However, if the act was self-less, or given in the spirit of honestly trying to benefit the recipient then I would state that that is a true act of charity.

Charity - What is it?

CHARITY  what is it?

• Is it giving of your substance to the poor or less fortunate?
• Is it being kind to another person?
• Is it sacrificing something for someone else? 
• ... 

Many religions speak of this trait.  Many societies value those who have this.  Some religions and belief systems place charity on the pinnacle of divine attributes of human kind. 

• There are many definitions of charity.  
• There are many synonymous words that are or describe charity.
  
• There are many acts of charity.
• There are many charitable members of society.

I seek after charity.  The soul purpose of this blog is to discuss how, we, as mere flawed mortals, can obtain the traits of charity and become elevated out of our self-centered miserable lives to become better people and be truly happy.


If you decide to post, please provide at a minimum the following items during your first post:

1. Your definition of charity
2. How you have learned to be charitable
3. How it has impacted your life, and the lives of those around you
4. Please respect everyone's opinions on this topic, by keeping an open mind.  We are here to explore this topic.

Thank you for any input you provide.  Come back periodically, and I will have a new definitions of charity as I research this topic.


Applecore