Altruism according to Vonnegut entails the devotion to see others make it through situations difficult for them at the expense of the one assisting them in the move. Notably, altruism in nature and in human society may not be possible since it is impeded by aspects which are specific in nature and in human society. In most cases, altruism will not be practiced in human society owing to the interests that different people have which may conflict hence placing a barrier to its dispensation. Nevertheless, different individuals or groups have different takes on this aspect and will act according based on their individual qualities in light of altruism. In the human society, much activity is geared towards selflessness bust this in indeed more spoken than practiced. This stems from the different ideologies held in different societies across the globe.
Vonnegut argues that there are significant impediments to altruism, which render practicing the concept difficult. It cannot be easily dispensed since there are certain significant challenges, which naturally take course to prevent it. The society has played a major role in shaping altruism . Different individuals are brought up in different set ups and they are shaped by the things that prevail in society so that they develop attributes specific to the moves made in society. This implies that if altruism is to permeate in society, then the foundation across generations should encourage it all through. Otherwise, it will be utterly impossible to dispense it.
In light of this, it is evident that Vonnegut is not optimistic about human altruism. Humankind have different ambitions and focus based on their diverse backgrounds. As such, they tend to follow the phenomenon that is commonplace in their society. This is of course regardless of whether it upholds altruism or not. Considering the characters in Cat’s Cradle, most of them depict self-centeredness, which is far from necessary altruism. Through out history, as the novel depicts, the society has been divided on this issue of altruism. However, the majority falls in the category where altruism is not a commonplace. People have personal goals and ambitions, which they cannot easily sacrifice to see others rise while they decline. As such, helping others go up the ladder at one’s expense and deterioration is quite difficult in the human society.
In addressing altruism, Hanh would say that altruism is almost impossible in society. There are many factors, which make altruism almost impossible. For instance, it is evident that people tend to seek self-satisfaction first before they can consider others on the same line. What does this imply, altruism can not be possible within a society where people are divided on different lines. For instance, people are divided on the lines of beliefs, ethnicity, religions, and culture among others. As such, different groups in human society who have different takes on different aspects tend to behave differently since they are motivated and pressed by different circumstances. However, he argues that in order for us to be able to save this world, then we should be prepared and ready to practice it.
We should show unreserved concern and devotion in helping others within the society so that they experience good within the society. Hanh argues that altruism can be possible if we change our mind set concerning life. Most of his practices advocate for and depict the importance of altruism. Therefore, Hanh would draw the meaning of Cat’s Cradle as what we should learn about being selfless within the society in order to foster a single human society that sees all things from a common perspective. The most important message to learn from Vonnegut’s novel is understanding the significance of altruism in order to root out selfishness and establish a society with selfless individuals.
Works cited
Vonnegut, Kurt. Cat's Cradle. New York: RosettaBooks, 2002.
Vonnegut, Kurt. Cat's Cradle: A Novel. New York: Dell Publishing, 1998.
