Chapter 4
Our
Kind Heritage: The case for Optimism
Let’s
consider the following facts. A woman donated a kidney to a stranger. Americans gave over $374 billion to charitable organizations in 2023.
Humanitarian
workers and medical volunteers risk their lives to provide care in conflict
zones. On 9/11 at the Twin Towers, the head of security
for Morgan Stanley evacuated over 2,700 employees and died going back up to
help more. A man jumped into the raging surf to rescue a stray dog
floundering in the water. A man jumped onto the tracks of a subway train to
save someone who had fallen. A Muslim schoolteacher gave up his life protecting
Christians from gunmen. Late one night, a Black family living in an all-Black
neighborhood sheltered an unfamiliar white couple from sexual predators (a
personal story). Studies show infants perform acts of kindness for strangers.
There
is no end to the stories we could recount that demonstrate human altruism. Altruism
is when an individual performs an action at a cost to themself (loss of
pleasure, time, and sometimes even life) that benefits another individual
without the expectation of reciprocity or compensation. It is not just a matter
of a social relationship like loyalty or concern for the common good of a
community.
Humans,
by their innate nature, are caring, giving animals. And while they have the
capacity to display selfish and cruel traits, a strong case (supported by
philosophers, psychologists, and neuroscientists) can be made for our selfless,
kind nature. Why is this the case? Why would an individual place another
human’s well-being above their own? Of course, there are many factors
surrounding acts of charity. But recent neurological studies provide one
interesting factor.
During
acts of altruistic giving, brain scans show that the right ventral striatum, the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex, and the bilateral anterior insula are activated. These areas are associated
with pleasure. In simple terms, giving feels good and is biologically
reinforced. Skeptics may object that feeling good is a reward. So, an act of kindness is not without
compensation. But I’ll take the acts as beneficence and not quibble.
What
is the evolutionary advantage of altruism? After all, an act of brave kindness
might result in harm to the courageous individual. While an individual has an instinct
for survival that is associated with their selfish side, those who protect and
sustain members of their family and even extend their care to larger groups
ensure the health of that family and tribe. Human beings evolved
in small, interdependent groups where survival depended on cooperation. Those
who shared food, cared for the sick, and protected one another were more likely
to thrive. Altruistic behavior, such as helping others without immediate personal
gain, strengthened group bonds and increased the chances of mutual survival. Hence,
those positive qualities were passed on.
A
hunting party is more effective than an individual hunter. Tribes with women who
share childcare are more likely to thrive. Men prefer kind women as mates. And
while babies are dependent for an extended period, they develop social skills
almost immediately to ensure the loving care they require. Infants
as young as one year old show signs of concern when other infants are
distressed and will try to comfort them. Toddlers often engage in helping behavior
without being prompted or rewarded. Studies show that most people derive
more pleasure from giving gifts than receiving them.
Yes.
Humans are, by nature, kind and giving souls. That is why our world is a paradise,
right?
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