This grounded theory dissertation explains how and why individuals pursue altruism. The constant comparative method was used to analyze interviews and observations from teachers, administrators, educational consultants, and others employed in the helping professions. The study led to the discovery of the main or common concern of the participants, driven altruism. The resulting theory explores how altruists acquire and sustain the altruistic worldview despite individuals, institutions, and political climates that may dictate otherwise. The foundation of altruism is the altruistic worldview and consists of fostering a belief in people, forming values, and cultivating autonomy. The theory reveals how altruists overcome internal barriers and those imposed by others to make manifest this worldview. It also helps to explain how living a life in which one's internal values and beliefs, aligned with external decisions and actions can create a drivenness to carry out an altruistic vision.
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