i think a lot about this (more than i think about my research). i wholeheartedly agree not because i feel obligated but simply because i'm able to - my life is not precarious (it used to be) and others' lives are. i've argued it from many perspectives (pragmatism, morals, etc) but the simple truth is i'm pained by the fact that other people are living hopeless and miserable lives. so i help and give and sacrifice because i can and it's the only thing i can do.

unfortunately most people simply don't care. maybe they're lucky for that but there's a sartre quotation that comes to mind (i think it's from no exit): the only pain you could've avoided was being ignorant of others' pain.

edit: sorry i was wrong it was kafka

"You can hold yourself back from the sufferings of the world, that is something you are free to do and it accords with your nature, but perhaps this very holding back is the one suffering you could avoid."