The Roots of Altruism and Egoism
Question: Baal HaSulam writes that people are divided into two types: 10% are altruists and 90% are egoists. What is the root of this division?
Answer: This stems from the properties of nature. The light, when creating the vessel (Kli), forms it from ten Sefirot (emanations, parts). The uppermost part is Keter, the pure property of giving. Then come Hochma, Bina, Hesed, Gevurah, Tifferet, Netzach, Hod, Yesod, and Malchut, which is the part most opposite to the property of giving.
Therefore, between Keter, the property of complete giving, and Malchut, the property of complete receiving, are all our other properties. Based on this, we can say that 10% of people living on Earth strive or would like to live in a society of giving, love, and mutual assistance.
Question: And 90% are pure egoists who only want to use others?
Answer: Not entirely pure, but generally inclined toward egoism to a greater and greater extent depending on what dominates in them: egoism or altruism. Nevertheless, closer to Malchut are those parts of humanity that possess enormous egoism.
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From KabTV’s “Era of the Last Generation” 7/11/24
Related Material:
The System of Our World: Altruism Within Egoism
What Is Altruism?
Congenital Altruism




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