New York: Science suggests that humans are naturally inclined towards altruism, challenging the notion that we are inherently selfish. This inclination is not only a result of evolutionary pressures but is also shaped by cultural and personal experiences.
According to BBC, the concept of the "bystander effect," which emerged in the 1960s, was based on the idea that people are less likely to intervene in emergencies when others are present. This theory was popularized following the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese in New York, where it was initially reported that 38 witnesses did nothing to help. However, later investigations revealed that this account was inaccurate, as there was no concrete evidence of passive bystanders. Research suggests that people are generally more willing to prioritize others' safety over their own.
A study published in 2020 examined CCTV footage of violent incidents in various countries and found that in nine out of ten cases, bystanders intervened, often with greater likelihood in larger groups. Another study about recipients of the Carnegie Hero Medal indicated that extreme altruists often describe their acts as intuitive, suggesting that altruism is a reflexive response.
This inherent altruism is also supported by evolutionary theories. As hunter-gatherers, humans lived in cooperative groups, which favored survival. Modern anthropological studies show that groups living similarly to early humans maintain an egalitarian approach to resource sharing.
Research in children also supports the idea of innate altruism. Studies have shown that infants as young as 14 months will assist others without any reward, indicating that prosocial behavior is motivated by concern for others' welfare.
Altruism is associated with numerous benefits, including improved mental health, reduced loneliness, and even physical health advantages. Volunteers have been found to be less likely to develop high blood pressure, and altruism is linked to reduced mortality risk, although the reasons are not fully understood.
Neuroscience also provides insights into altruism. Studies by Abigail Marsh at Georgetown University found that individuals who donated kidneys to strangers had larger right amygdalae, brain areas linked to emotion, suggesting they are more attuned to others' feelings. This contrasts with psychopathic individuals, who typically show opposite brain patterns.
Despite our altruistic tendencies, it's unrealistic to expect constant selflessness. Tony Milligan, a research fellow at King's College London, argues that most people are "morally mediocre," meaning they often overestimate their moral goodness. He cautions against striving to emulate figures like Mandela or Gandhi, suggesting a more realistic approach to altruism.
Altruistic behavior is also influenced by cultural factors. Collectivistic cultures, such as those in some Asian countries, often prioritize group welfare, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic when mask-wearing was more prevalent than in individualistic cultures like the UK and US. Ching-Yu Huang's research highlights how cultural upbringing can affect compliance and altruistic behaviors.
Ultimately, while altruism is beneficial, it's essential to balance it with self-care. Cultural expectations can sometimes make the responsibility to be altruistic overwhelming, as noted by Huang. Recognizing our capacity for selflessness while acknowledging personal and cultural influences can lead to a more balanced approach to altruism.