Interesting question, Hierophant. Probably, we all expect some kind of "payback" when we do something nice, even if what we expect is just the world to become a slightly better place. [img]smile.gif[/img] Another question, in that case, would be to wonder if we expect to SEE that payback, or only have faith in it.
All the posts here so far mention only kindnesses done to humans. I have heard recently an interesting interview of a famous French scientist (M. Albert Jacquard, who is, IMO, also one of our greatest humanitarians) - in this interview, he said that one thing he was most concerned about was the much spread viewpoint that humans are 'worth' better than animals. In which name we excuse the casual cruelty we collectively inflict to all the animals we raise for food, as well as the viewpoint that if humans want to settle in an area where wild animals live, the animals must give away the place.
On the side, MagiK, if you happen to read my post, I would like to belatedly reply to your argument that the E.U. is ridiculous to be concerned about the welfare of food animals. I believe, along with M. Jacquard, that, far from ridiculous, since we are using these animals for our own agendas, being concerned about giving their welfare some care is the least we can do ...
Now, being kind to animals, be they pets, food animals or wild animals, these are kindnesses one doesn't get much personal gratification for. [img]smile.gif[/img] Also, it is all relative really - I have rescued two cats, and when I look at them playing in my garden, I often think that it has not been very nice to the mice and birds around ...