Name: Why some people are more altruistic than others
Uploaded: 2016-09-16T14:47:18Z
Duration: 12 min 12 s
Description: Why do some people do selfless things, helping other people even at risk to their own well-being? Psychology researcher Abigail Marsh studies the motivations of people who do extremely altruistic acts, like donating a kidney to a complete stranger. Are their brains just different?

"The norm of self-interest"

Why do some people do selfless things, helping other people even at risk to their own well-being? Psychology researcher Abigail Marsh studies the motivations of people who do extremely altruistic acts, like donating a kidney to a complete stranger. Are their brains just different?

Abigail Marsh: Why some people are more altruistic than others

Why some people are more altruistic than others

Exploring the essence of altruism, it's revealed that actions like kidney donations to strangers may stem from unique brain structures.

Contrasting psychopaths' insensitivity to distress, altruists' amygdalas are more reactive, suggesting compassion's neurobiological roots.

Altruism's expansion in society underlines a growing compassion for distant suffering, challenging perceptions of a crueler world.