This paper proposes the existence of an intrinsic, non-conflictual altruistic impulse, and presents arguments from human behavior studies, evolutionary theory, attachment theory, and psychoanalytic writings to support this thesis. Altruism has been previously regarded as a defensive phenomenon based on assumptions about the superego, competitiveness, individualism, and self-interested libido. This paper proposes that the element of primary other-orientedness makes possible a non-neurotic component of oedipal resolution, based on triadic love. Finally, the paper defines remorse as an altruistic or other-oriented repair.