why does this word keep popping up??

So...I have been reading a lot lately (I guess that's not that big a deal for those of you who know me).

But...this word keeps popping up.

I love it when I come across a word that I have no earthly idea what it means...and if it keeps popping up...I get really excited, because I believe...something or someone is trying to get my attention. I just love that kind of stuff.

The word is altruism.

I have never heard this word before...so I'm like...why does it keep popping up? So...I'm really into a book and I come across this word...well I could just keep reading and act like I know what it is...or...I can admit that I don't know everything and stop reading and look it up...so...I finally did.

All I can say is...WOW!!!

I have found a couple of definitions...I'll paste them here.

Something or someone definitely has my attention!!! Heads up!!!


Altruism - (from Latin: alter: the other) is the deliberate pursuit of the interests or welfare of others or the public interest.

1. Loving others as oneself. 2. Behaviour that promotes the survival chances of others at a cost to ones own. 3. Self-sacrifice for the benefit of others.

Regard for others, both natural and moral; devotion to the interests of others; brotherly kindness; -- opposed to egoism or selfishness.

1 : unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others 2 : behavior by an animal that is not beneficial to or may be harmful to itself but that benefits others of its species