Pointless Knowledge?

Apparently (according to the radio) volunteering is good for you. It not only makes you healthier but it also adds to your general sense of well being. Therefore, it is good for us all to volunteer - not only will we make someone else's life better, we'll also improve our own.

However, there is a little bit of a flaw in their argument. What if people who are healthier and who already have a fairly good sense of their own well being are more likely to volunteer?

Why let a critical approach to analysis get in the way though. After all the political imperative is to get bums on seats - regardless of the rationale behind the decision making.

Hmmm.