• New
  • Inspiration
  • Knowledge
  • Action
  • 7 Habits
    • Caring
    • Exercise
    • Flow
    • Meaning
    • Positivity
    • Relationships
    • Strengths

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in Inspiration
Search in Knowledge
Search in Action

08 Mar2018

share

What Is Altruism?

08 Mar 2018
share

Altruism is when we act to promote someone else’s welfare, even at a risk or cost to ourselves. Though some believe that humans are fundamentally self-interested, recent research suggests otherwise: Studies have found that people’s first impulse is to cooperate rather than compete; that toddlers spontaneously help people in need out of a genuine concern for their welfare; and that even non-human primates display altruism.

To view the original article click here 

Evolutionary scientists speculate that altruism has such deep roots in human nature because helping and cooperation promote the survival of our species. Indeed, Darwin himself argued that altruism, which he called “sympathy” or “benevolence,” is “an essential part of the social instincts.” Darwin’s claim is supported by recent neuroscience studies, which have shown that when people behave altruistically, their brains activate in regions that signal pleasure and reward, similar to when they eat chocolate .

This does not mean that humans are more altruistic than selfish; instead, evidence suggests we have deeply ingrained tendencies to act in either direction. Our challenge lies in finding ways to evoke the better angels of our nature.

In the development of mankind as a whole, just as in individuals, love alone acts as the civilizing factor in the sense that it brings a change from egoism to altruism – Charles Darwin.

Tags

  • Caring

You might like

  • Caring For Animals

    Inspiration

  • 12 Simple Ways to be a More Caring Person

    Action

  • Surprising Benefits Of Having A Dog

    Knowledge

  • The Power of Caring

    Inspiration

  • Science of Caring

    Knowledge

  • The Fundamentals Of Caring

    Action

Get free tips to live your best, most fulfilling life

  • About Wondrlust
  • How the site works
  • New
  • Inspiration
  • Knowledge
  • Action
  • Wondrlust TV
  • Wondrlust Radio
  • Wondrlust News
  • Resilience
  • WL Foundation
  • Let’s chat
  • About iMediasport
© Wondrlust 2025

7 habits

  • Caring
  • Exercise
  • Flow
  • Meaning
  • Positivity
  • Relationships
  • Strengths

Latest from blog

Is it possible to Design a Peak Customer Experience?
Reboot your 2019
A Life Too Short
Trying to be grateful – which at 8pm and still in the of...
The WondrAcademy

© Wondrlust 2025