Nevertheless, if that motive directs a person to perform an act for which another is the primary beneficiary, then that is considered selfless. The residual personal benefits that result from performing good should not be considered as potential motivations since, in many cases, these are not guaranteed and do not even appear likely. This distinction becomes clearer when one imagines the case where this fire-fighter knowingly goes to death without expectation of anyone finding out about his heroics. The psychological egoist is bound to the increasingly difficult task of providing a selfish explanation. So by denying that psychological egoism is true, we allow for the possibility of human concerns for others and come to an important step toward providing some reason for morality.
Singer argues along similar lines.
For him, even in the absence of religion, one can find meaning by striving for the best possible life. He points out that happiness in life appears to be found most often by people who do not seek it directly, but who attain it through other activities such as setting and achieving long-term goals. In the next stage of his argument, Singer suggests that many will find that this is not enough since prudent egoists could achieve such a life. Pointing out the dissatisfaction many with material goods have with their lives, Singer argues to the effect that money can not buy happiness. Instead, true satisfaction comes from focusing one's efforts on helping others or working for some cause greater than one's self.