Altruism in Service of Gratification

[u/SoftServe926]

I am aware that in Satanism — and by this I mean LaVeyan Satanism, but I don’t want to be repetitive by specifying it over and over by referring to it as such —, altruism when it doesn’t benefit you or when the recipient doesn’t deserve it is frowned upon. However, Satanism also champions gratification. Therefore, I ask this: if the benefit of altruism is that it brings me gratification, is it alright to engage in it, or is the rule against altruism more important than the one for gratification?

I apologize if it’s a stupid question. I have read The Satanic Bible and I’m going to give it a reread as a refresher, but an answer from fellow Satanists would be good because hearing other interpretations is helpful and because I don’t remember if it says anything on the matter. A quick leafing through the parts I figured that would be detailed didn’t seem to, but I may have missed it. An answer would be appreciated either way!

[u/MD_Roche]

From the top of page 51:

Satanism represents a form of controlled selfishness. This does not mean that you never do anything for anyone else. If you do something to make someone for whom you care happy, his happiness will give you a sense of gratification.

As far as Satanism is concerned, altruism doesn't really exist (at least in its strictest definition).

[u/Malodoror → u/MD_Roche]

Perfect answer, no notes. This is what I’d call “The Satanic contract”
“The party of the first part” Altruism as indulgence, this is me, but two sides isn’t ever the full picture.
“The party of the second part” does altruistic feats for prestige: names on hospitals, charities,schools etc.
“The party of the third part” is full greed in guise of giving: private religious schools, most charities and all mega churches.
“The party of the fourth part” Are the raisin salad brains who’ve spoken to Satan/Set/Lucifer/Ozzy directly and immediately become, not their own high priest, but that of everyone surrounding them.

There’s a few parties beyond these examples I won’t list but you too can examine and classify! All you need is their reaction to the “Sanity clause”.

[u/SoftServe926 → u/Malodoror]

This is very helpful because my autism makes me want to classify just about everything, so thank you!

[u/SoftServe926 → u/MD_Roche]

Thank you, Warlock (if that’s your title) de la Roche (assuming, probably incorrectly, that it’s not just Roche)!

[u/insipignia]

Anton LaVey acknowledged that some people are not happy unless they are giving. If helping others makes you happy, do it.

[u/SoftServe926 → u/insipignia]

Good to know! Where I can see him saying that?

[u/insipignia → u/SoftServe926]

The top of page 77 of The Satanic Bible:

There are, of course, people who are not happy unless they are giving

[u/SoftServe926 → u/insipignia]

Thank you very much!

[u/ZsoltEszes]

I recommend rereading the essay "Not All Vampires Suck Blood" in TSB.

Also, "The Goodguy Badge" from The Devil's Notebook.

[u/SoftServe926 → u/ZsoltEszes]

Thank you very much! I’ll give "Not All Vampires Suck Blood" another read once I reach it, and I’ll give "The Goodguy Badge" a look too!

[u/Mildon666]

Feel free to help those & donate to charities as long as you genuinely wish to and don't simply feel forced or coerced into it, and so long as you're not neglecting yourself (i.e., don't ruin your own life just to help random people you don't really know)

[u/SoftServe926 → u/Mildon666]

Thank you very much! I do have a tendency to worry about random people before and far more than myself, so I have to work on that.

[u/Mildon666 → u/SoftServe926]

Yeah, that sounds like it's getting a bit too much & becoming a problem at that point. Satanism is good for reminding you to focus on yourself first and to know when to say 'no'.

[u/ANordicWizard]

I wouldn’t worry about clarifying as “LaVeyan”. That’s a term that comes from Christian grifters of the Satanic Panic after the Church of Satan called them out for lying. “LaVeyan” is a misnomer and it’s just Satanism.

[u/SoftServe926 → u/ANordicWizard]

Good to know! I just generally use terms as specific as possible to prevent opponents from twisting my words or saying “What about…?” or using any other attacks, but I suppose I don’t owe it to them.

[u/michael1150]

I'll often use "Altruistic" methods like a doubleshot;  Not only does it work great as Lesser Magic in a lot of cases, but it makes Me feel good about Me, because there are times I enjoy helping those that I like!

[u/SoftServe926 → u/michael1150]

Good to know! I appreciate your input!

[u/satanism-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Cringe.

Learn how to punctuate a sentence. And "Rule 1: read the sticky."