Why Are Humans Altruistic By Nature?

Any good class will make you think. It will make you raise questions and reason out your understanding. In one of my classes this fall, when my professor asked us “Why are Humans altruistic by nature?” it got me thinking. Sure we do the random act of kindness from time to time. But what propels us to go that extra mile to help someone in trouble? Well I ended up doing some research covering topics ranging from evolution to psychology and I think I found my answer.

Most animals in the animal world live in societies. I believe survival of the fittest may have had a role to play in this. This could have probably lead to co-operation among group members to form a community of strong individuals rather than a single strong individual. Thus, by raising the strength of the community as a whole, they would have greatly increased their chances of survival, rather than growing strong on their own and being left to fend for themselves.

Similarly, when we are born, we are most often not raised in isolation by a single individual. We see mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, that is friends and family playing a role in our welfare. This sort of builds an understanding in the children to look out for one another. Even when rationality might imply one selfishly maximizes one’s own utility, humans tend to show a concern for the well being of others.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Humans can probably rationalize that the roles could very well have been reversed. Thus helping someone when they are in need. After all, to grow together is far more satisfying than to grow alone.

Good Guy Greg! 

It was quite fascinating to study the rationale behind “the Good Samaritan” and how research can help shed light onto such common things that are a part of our lives and that we have taken for granted.