On Castbox.fm — Brandee Laird | On Self-Altruism, Parkour, and Being Useful
How can the Parkour community cultivate and apply altruism in meaningful and practical ways beyond the physical discipline?
Altruism in Parkour is re-examined as a willingness to make someone else’s problem your own.
The first place, and the most important place, it comes out in my daily life is a willingness. It’s a willingness to make someone else’s problem, my problem. And that to me is what altruism is. It’s making other people’s problems, my problem.
~ Brandee Laird (3:06)
The conversation explores the evolving understanding of altruism within the Parkour community. Emphasis is placed on the idea that altruism involves making someone else’s problem your own, extending the principle of “be strong to be useful” into daily life. This involves recognizing and acting on opportunities to help others, even in seemingly mundane scenarios.
Topics covered include empathy, the role of fear in preventing action, and how values like honesty and awareness can drive altruistic behavior. The Parkour community’s approach to litter and environmental responsibility serves as an example of how physical practice can intersect with social contribution. There is also discussion about expanding leadership and instilling a broader sense of responsibility in younger practitioners.
Takeaways
Altruism in Parkour — Making others’ problems your own is central to practicing altruism in daily life.
Empathy and Action — Empathy alone is not enough; the will to act must follow recognition of need.
Leadership Development — The Parkour community is focusing more on creating leaders and fostering values-driven growth.
Leave No Trace — Environmental responsibility is integrated into Parkour events and training.
Expanding Usefulness — Parkour skills can translate into broader life contributions through awareness and presence.
Resources
Art of Retreat — The leadership and education retreat where the conversation took place.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
ɕ