Altruism raises your mood because it raises your self-esteem

“Altruism raises your mood because it raises your self-esteem, which increases happiness. Plus, giving to others gets you outside of yourself and distracts you from your problems.” Thus spoke Karen Salmansohn, a modern sage who understands that joy is not found in the taking, but in the giving. In her words beats the eternal rhythm of a truth known to saints and scholars alike — that altruism, the selfless care for others, is not only a balm to the world, but a medicine for the soul. For when the heart turns outward, when love becomes action, sorrow loosens its grip and the spirit lifts, light as dawn after storm.

From the wisdom of the ancients to the findings of modern science, this truth has echoed through time: to give is to heal. The philosopher Seneca once wrote that no man is happier than he who renders happiness to others. Even the Buddha, in his noble silence, taught that compassion is the pathway to freedom from suffering. And now, Salmansohn, walking in their footsteps, translates this sacred law into the language of our age — reminding us that happiness is not something we pursue for ourselves alone, but something that blossoms naturally when we nurture others.

For what is self-esteem, if not the recognition of our own goodness? When we give, we confirm to ourselves that we are capable of love, of meaning, of worth. A gift freely offered — a kind word, a helping hand, a patient ear — builds an invisible bridge between two souls. And as we cross it, we leave behind the prison of our own worries. The heart that once beat only for itself begins to beat in harmony with the world. Thus, altruism lifts not only the receiver but the giver, turning sorrow into serenity, and despair into purpose.

Consider the story of Mother Teresa, who walked through the slums of Calcutta surrounded by poverty and suffering. Yet those who met her said she radiated peace. How could a woman surrounded by pain be so filled with light? The answer lies in Salmansohn’s wisdom: her altruism carried her beyond herself. Her focus was not on her own burdens, but on easing the burdens of others. In caring for the sick and abandoned, she transcended the limits of her own being. Her joy was not born from comfort, but from compassion — a joy purer than any that wealth or power could bring.

When Salmansohn says that giving to others distracts you from your problems, she does not mean that we should run from our pain, but that we should rise above it. For pain narrows the soul, drawing its gaze inward until all light seems lost. But service expands the horizon of the heart. It reminds us that even in our suffering, we have the power to bring warmth to another. The man who comforts a friend forgets, for a time, his own wounds — and in forgetting, he begins to heal. Like the sun that warms others and shines brighter for doing so, the generous spirit grows stronger in the act of giving.

Yet, the wisdom of altruism must be understood in balance. To give truly, one must not seek reward, nor martyr oneself into exhaustion. The ancients taught the same — that virtue lies in harmony. Give not to earn praise, but because giving affirms your humanity. Help others, but also tend the flame of your own spirit, so that you may continue to share its light. For when we give from fullness, not from emptiness, our kindness becomes a fountain that never runs dry.

So, let this be the teaching: if you seek happiness, begin not by looking inward, but by looking outward. Find someone to help, something to mend, a kindness to offer — and in that act, your spirit will rise. When the world feels heavy, lift another, and your own load will lighten. When despair whispers that life has no meaning, answer it with service, and meaning will return tenfold. The joy you bring to others will circle back like the sun’s rays reflected in a still pool, illuminating your own heart.

Remember, then, the wisdom of Karen Salmansohn: to give is not to lose, but to gain; to care for others is to discover the strength within yourself. For the soul that gives freely is the soul that truly lives. In altruism lies both the seed of peace and the flower of happiness — a beauty that no sorrow can wither, and no darkness can hide.