Do you think people help others for self gratification?

I remember the first time I did a “good deed” I went home and brought out a whole bag of fruit for homeless men I saw at the park. I remember having this high feeling all day about helping them.

In my philosophy class we were taught every good deed is an exchange and always gives a gratifying feeling.

My husband is a sweetheart. He gives so freely and generously and I thought people did this only to make up for the bad they’ve done. Or to just “feel like a good person” I know he’s genuine because even when we pass a homeless person walking, it will really bother him and effect his whole mood for a few blocks.

I told him about what they taught us in philosophy and he said he honestly doesn’t get any good feeling from it.

What do you think? Is it our main motive subconsciously?

Do you feel good when you help? Is it possible to genuinely feel bad for someone and want to help? Without feeling like a good person?

I still don’t believe my husband doesn’t feel good at all. I just believe itsnot his main motive.