A Note on Altruistic Systems [Orig. 02-20-10]

A Note on Altruistic Systems, from On the Origin of Stories,
Brian Boyd; pg. 57.

For ALTRUISM to work robustly a whole suite of motivations
has to be in place:

SYMPATHY, so one is inclined to help another.

TRUST, so that one can offer help now and expect it will
somehow be repaid later.

GRATITUDE, to incline one, when helped, to return the favor.

SHAME, to prompt one to repay when they still owe a debt.

FAIRNESS, a sense to intuitively gauge an adequate share or
repayment.

INDIGNATION, to spur one to break off cooperation with, or
inflict punishment on, a cheat.

GUILT, a displeasure at oneself and FEAR of exposure and
reprisal to deter one from seeking the short-term advantages
of cheating.

Cheaters will thrive in exchanges with altruists unless altruists
discriminate against, refuse further exchange with, or actively
punish cheaters.