Kant - Second Section

“We then gladly flatter ourselves with the false presumption of a nobler motive, whereas in fact we can never, even by the most strenuous examination, get entirely behind our covert incentives, because when moral worth is at issue what counts is not the actions, which one sees, but their inner principles, which one does not see” (4:408).  Just because someone is helping out somewhere like a soup kitchen doesn’t mean they are doing it for the right reasons.  If you are just doing it because you have to and find it to be pointless otherwise then you are not doing what is morally right.  Someone else who is helping in a soup kitchen could be doing it so they can help those who are in need and can’t afford their own food, this would be morally right.  The difference between these two people is the fact that one is just there because they have to be and aren’t seeing how this is actually helping other but is just waiting and wondering when it is time for him/her to leave while the person who is doing it to actually make a difference in someone’s life cares about what they are doing and is truly doing what is right.  You should never do something you don’t really want to do because in the end you aren’t really helping anyone.  Don’t just go help out somewhere because your friend is and you feel bad not doing the same, if your heart is not in it then it isn’t worth it for anyone, not those you are supposed to be helping or yourself.