The Good in Us All: Exploring Human Kindness

Today, we explore a topic contemplated for centuries: Are humans innately good? Recent studies in neuroscience reveal that our brains are wired for kindness. When we perform acts of kindness, the reward centers of our brain light up, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. This means that helping others isn’t just beneficial for them – it’s also rewarding for us.

Professor of Neurosurgery, Dr. James Doty explains: “Over the last several decades, we have learned a great deal about brain function, we have learned a great deal about human behavior, we have learned a great deal about psychology. And as a result of that, we have realized that to flourish and thrive, one must be compassionate. We know from the science that being compassionate increases longevity up to twofold. Being compassionate decreases your stress, decreases markers of inflammation.”

To understand why we might be innately good, we can look back to our ancestors. Early humans survived not by competing fiercely but by cooperating and forming tight-knit communities. Sharing resources, caring for the young, and protecting each other were essential for survival. These early societies may have laid the groundwork for the values of kindness and mutual aid that continue to shape human interactions today.

While science suggests we have an innate capacity for kindness, culture, and upbringing play significant roles in shaping our behaviors. Research has found that children learn by observing the actions of adults and peers. When they consistently see kindness and empathy modeled, they’re more likely to adopt these behaviors.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by negativity. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that every small act of kindness can counterbalance this. Whether holding the door for a stranger, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply listening to someone in need, these actions create a network of goodwill that binds our communities together.