<P> Altruism can be distinguished from feelings of loyalty, in that whilst the latter is predicated upon social relationships, altruism does not consider relationships . Much debate exists as to whether "true" altruism is possible in human psychology . The theory of psychological egoism suggests that no act of sharing, helping or sacrificing can be described as truly altruistic, as the actor may receive an intrinsic reward in the form of personal gratification . The validity of this argument depends on whether intrinsic rewards qualify as "benefits". </P> <P> The term altruism may also refer to an ethical doctrine that claims that individuals are morally obliged to benefit others . Used in this sense, it is usually contrasted with egoism, which claims individuals are morally obligated to serve themselves first . </P> <P> The concept has a long history in philosophical and ethical thought . The term was originally coined in the 19th century by the founding sociologist and philosopher of science, Auguste Comte, and has become a major topic for psychologists (especially evolutionary psychology researchers), evolutionary biologists, and ethologists . Whilst ideas about altruism from one field can affect the other fields, the different methods and focuses of these fields always lead to different perspectives on altruism . In simple terms, altruism is caring about the welfare of other people and acting to help them . </P> <P> Marcel Mauss's book The Gift contains a passage called "Note on alms". This note describes the evolution of the notion of alms (and by extension of altruism) from the notion of sacrifice . In it, he writes: </P>

One who works for the good of others