I've been troubled over this idea, and I know it's a common philosophical question, but I figured I'd get your opinions. Sorry if this has been posted in the past. For those of you who don't know, altruism is basically engaging in acts of selflessness, for no reward of any kind. The reason I feel that it perhaps does not exist is because does anyone REALLY do things because they care more about others than them self?

I don't think so. People do things based on egoism. While they may not receive much benefit from their actions, they will always receive some, and I think they go into those situations knowing that. Even someone who donates 10 million dollars to a charity knows that he will be loved by all, so he does it. Is his motive REALLY 100% only for the hope that his donation will lead to someone elses wellbeing? I think not.