Can You Help Others During A Zombie Apocalypse?

One of the big practical and philosophical questions raised in shows like The Walking Dead and Fear of the Walking Dead is -

Can you / should you help other people during a Zombie Apocalypse?

 

Zombie Photo By Scott Simmons [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

In a world where energy and supplies are scarce and risk of Zombie exposure is high, it's a very tough question.  I think a survivor has an obligation to save life when it is immediately threatened.  There is no question that you should kill a Zombie that is just about to bite one of the living.  However, sharing limited supplies is an entirely different matter.

The supplies that you and your group have gathered are precious and should be used to preserve your own.  Group supplies should only be given when some return on investment is expected.

Everyone Contributes After A Zombie Apocalypse

The old van bumper sticker of the 1970s is germaine to this discussion.  "Gas, Grass, or Ass,"  it read.  "Nobody rides for free."  During a Zombie Apocalypse no one rides for free either.  If a survivor group shares supplies, then the recipient is expected to contribute to the group in some way.

In exchange for help, a recipient should be able to contribute by fighting Zombies, growing food, building fortifications, assisting the wounded, or providing other goods and services.

If you have extra supplies, you can use them shrewdly to build your own power, prestige, influence, and safety.  This is probably how warlords and new civilizations get started.