The article describes what mutual assistance is, why it is needed, what happens and what role it played in the development of human society.
Ancient times
Human society has existed for tens of thousands of years, and during this time it has gone from a disparate tribal primitive system to a modern, civilized one. Scientists are still arguing and building theories about why, after all, man has become man. There is still no unified and absolutely correct theory, however, there are a number of indisputable factors that have greatly influenced the course of human physical and moral evolution in a beneficial way. And one of these factors is mutual assistance. In addition to her, kindness, caring for loved ones - the elderly, the wounded and, of course, children, also played an important role.
This is what distinguishes a person from an animal, even at a time when our ancestors were not very similar to people, they understood - helping each other in a difficult moment, taking care of loved ones and making friends was much more profitable than non-stop warring. These factors along with monogamy gave a strong impetus to evolution, because when the eternal rivalry for females and endless feuds disappeared, our ancestors began to unite for a joint and more productive hunt, defense against hostile tribes, predators, etc. And in all this an important role played such a thing as mutual assistance. So what is mutual assistance and friendship? This we will understand.
Definition
First, let's figure out what this word means. According to the dictionary, mutual assistance is the provision of mutual assistance to each other by two persons or several on a mutually beneficial basis. Simply put, you are to me, and I am to you. In the days of the primitive system, such relations played an important role. Of course, their shape is unlikely to be of the kind we are used to now, because the times were different, but nevertheless, according to paleoanthropology, several million years ago, highly developed anthropoid apes took care of their elderly, wounded and crippled. So now we know what mutual assistance is.
Times have changed, but the importance of these relations has persisted, even in the modern world in the most prosperous countries, in which there is no such savagery and danger that haunted people in primitive times or the Middle Ages, mutual assistance still remains an important factor in people's lives.
Mutual assistance of people
So what exactly is this phenomenon expressed in? Naturally, over time, it slightly changed, but its essence has always remained the same.
Sociality is inherent in human nature itself, even few wild animals can survive alone, with humans the same thing, even in a modern and more prosperous world than before. So what is mutual assistance? If specific examples are given, this is manifested in situations where, with some problems or difficulties, relatives, relatives or friends come to his aid. At the same time, both parties know and understand that their help will not remain unappreciated, and on occasion they will be helped in exactly the same way.
By the way, mutual assistance can be applicable not only to people who are familiar, but also to completely strangers, this is the value of this phenomenon. For example, when an accidental passer-by helps a fallen or an elderly person get up, when that person becomes ill - this is also mutual assistance. Of course, they are unlikely to meet in the future, but nevertheless, the one who helped can be sure that he will not be left alone in the same situation.
The concept of "friendship"
Before analyzing this social phenomenon in detail , we will define the terminology. Friendship is a close relationship between two people or a group of people based on personal interests, similar life principles, or some kind of obvious or hidden benefit.
Probably true and sincere friendship is the second most important feeling after love, which poets sing, and it’s just that all people understand its importance. It is inherent in everyone, even those who have no friends, sooner or later understand the importance of their presence.
By the way, almost everyone finds friends, regardless of their social status, moral or political beliefs, the fact that people are all different helps here and finding like-minded people is sometimes difficult, but real. So we made out the concept of "friendship."
Refusal of mutual assistance and friendship
Despite the importance in everyday life of these phenomena, at all times and in any society there were those who consciously refused them. They cannot be blamed for this, all people are too different. Of course, if the rejection of these social phenomena does not harm anyone. Otherwise, such individuals in ancient times were expelled from communities, and in the modern world they simply limit their contacts with society to the maximum.
So now we know what friendship and mutual assistance are, why they are important and what role they played in the development of human society. Maintaining and disseminating them is very important at all times.