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People: Nicer than You Think
Cutting-edge research suggests that human beings are much kinder than most people realize.
Are people selfish or generous? Most people seem to agree with the opinion expressed by Jerry and Elaine in the classic TV show, Seinfeld:
Elaine: “I will never understand people.”
Jerry: “They’re the worst.”
Are we really “the worst”? Do greed and self-interest really drive most of what we do? Or are we capable of putting the needs of others ahead of our own? Traditionally, social scientists leaned toward the cynical view. They believed in principles such as “rational self-interest” — which says it’s human nature to minimize our costs and maximize our gains. Likewise, evolutionary psychologists argued that altruism — helping another person without expecting anything in return — is implausible. But in contrast to such unflattering views of human nature, consider four recent lines of evidence suggesting that human beings are a lot kinder and more generous than you might think.
Even Toddlers Love to Help. Felix Warneken — who studies cooperation in kids — suggests that before very young children are socialized to help others, they display a natural tendency to be little helpers. He further suggests that, in the environments in which people evolved, any small amounts of help kids could provide to others…
