Why some people are more altruistic than others | Abigail Marsh

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?
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[@BlacknredBomber]

I have had (almost) the exact same experience with a stranger. I had totalled my car. I was unable to decipher mentally what had actually happened. A man turned up out of nowhere, and not only organised me a tow-truck that would keep things "off the record", but also said "if anyone asks, I was driving". I had never met this person before in my life. I put it down to an "Australian" thing. But... perhaps... It is a "human" thing. I still owe my life to this person.

[@dm12435671123]

That last 2 minutes of the talk about 'How we think the World is becoming cruel but actually it's not' has completely changed my outlook of today's world. Thank You Abigail Marsh for a wonderful insight. :)

[@jabbermocky]

About a month ago I was waiting for a train, having already purchased my ticket. Outside, there was a middle aged man on the phone with a bunch of papers in his hand. I could hear him saying, "I'll be there, Mom, don't get upset." He was clearly trying to get to his mother so when he asked me if I knew how to take the train I said yes. He explained that it was his first time using that train and he didn't have cash for a ticket, only credit cards which were not accepted. He showed me some paperwork from a cancer treatment center in Boston and asked if I could help. I instinctively gave him my ticket and bought another one for myself. For only $11.50, I felt better about myself all day and would do it again if necessary. Guess I'm a practical altruist.

[@Widdekuu91]

@Angela Chen I think in this case you can ignore one or two little 'guess what I did'-s. People sharing it on Facebook and Insta and filming themselves, that think about the camera-angle while giving CPR, those are the ones you mean. I've done some stuff to feel better about myself without telling anyone, but then someone found out and I told my parents and that person ánd someone else, because I just felt I had too. The rest of the 200+ people positively influenced by the charities never knew who it came from or who I am etc. I even gave to people I actively disliked, because they hated me and bullied me. And they don't know who the 'kind stranger' is, that gave them the gifts.

[@joshuagharis9017]

Sadly, some would not do so

[@georgecataloni4720]

If you don't think of yourself, then who will? You can't rely on others, because others aren't always altruistic. These highly altruistic people are flawed; they are as illogical as the psychopath, but differ because they are a danger to themselves instead of others. We should strive for balance.

[@MidEnginedSedan]

Imagine if everyone was altruistic. Do you really think a society full of somewhat selfish people, is better than one full of altruistic people?

[@georgecataloni4720]

MidEnginedSedan Neither of those will ever happen. Even if you started with all altruists, it only takes one psycho to wreck everything. The world is a big mush of varying grays; we should aim to best thrive in that reality.

[@teresaboze69]

ouch! what if your understanding of the topic is flawed? no where is there any statement that indicates renunciation of self beyond the act of altruism. placing one's self in harm's way for other does not require anything but focus, from the "flash" hero (like the freeway savior) to the Mother Teresa constantly on. Constantly on would by necessity have adjustments to the other interdependent cognitive processes. Dr. Marsh is not speaking to the Unified Field Theory of Neuro Behavioral Sciences because there isn't any. Stop looking for that cricket in the night. you are out in the weeds.

[@georgecataloni4720]

Teresa Boze If my understanding is flawed, then please explain what she meant when she removed the center dot in the diagram of circles.

[@AnnafromHungarylvNW]

Exactly. If they value every single person the same way, they won't be able to realize when they are being altruistic to the cost of their family or friends, and when they do, they won't be able to see the problem with that. You can risk your life for a stranger, but with that, it might happen that your children grow up without a father. I don't think it's right.

[@lilysong7070]

Then you have those people that take advantage of those loving and caring people. 😔

[@laitarianplayz8080]

@Firelord Eliteast67 I hunt lions.

[@TaTa-xd5yt]

@@laitarianplayz8080 Please hunt Firelord Eliteast67 he seems to be psychopathic

[@DawnSTyler]

Psychopaths

[@PaddyMacNasty]

I think altruistic people saying "I'm not unique" has less to do with not being the centre of their world as it has to do with being able to see themselves in others. A lot of people focus on what makes them different from other people and thus they feel unique. Someone hyper compassionate sees the similarities and can put themselves in other peoples shoes so can feel what they feel and can even feel like that person is like a part of themselves. If you look at the similarities rather than the differences you can even empathise with a psychopath. Play GTA V and it's pretty easy to understand how a psychopath processes the world. After all, they don't have anything the rest of us don't have. They're just missing the part that makes them see other people as different from other objects like we see NPCs in a game.

[@BL00DYR0S31]

Elias Kinnunen uhhh🙄so you're just suicidal?

[@BL00DYR0S31]

Elias Kinnunen​ ah! I was just kidding. I get what you mean. Im kinda way too young to admit this and my life is semi ok but ive never been all gong ho about life even when i was little i see no point in working yourself ragged to get the perfect job,a house,get married have kids,send kids to college,marry them off then die? I get told that this is the sequence of life for a lot of people and that i should strive for this kind of "life" but it all seems so tiresome. Is this really the cycle of a normal humans life?

[@BL00DYR0S31]

Elias Kinnunen ugh😑 I was having an emo moment over here and you just killed it.Thanks a lot😧

[@BL00DYR0S31]

Elias Kinnunen 😑umm thank you? Dont take this the wrong way but that phrase i hate it. Dont ask why i hate its. Its just everytime i hear it makes me wanna throw myself off a cliff.

[@BL00DYR0S31]

Elias Kinnunen Oh! Your not even going to resist? What a boring person.

[@ihtemad]

Why one earth does this video not have more than a million views? It was really easy to follow and many key insights have been given by her!

[@wholeshebang1]

Maybe a lot of people don't know the word _altruism,_ let alone its meaning.

[@LemosArt0987]

One of the most informative and interesting TED Talks I've seen in awhile, thanks for sharing.

[@mybox-]

I thought it said "Why some people are more autistic than others" at first

[@3RDNBZ]

So you thought it was about you, but instead you found out it was about others.

[@grasspiss3284]

@@mohammadserhal7048 gay

[@donnaturner8761]

I love this by dr Abigail, her research on empathy is extraordinary

[@wholeshebang1]

Oh? I'll look into her work.

[@jacobhayes5305]

I love adrenaline rushes and if I saw somebody in danger I would run to try to help them mainly for my own selfish reasons of getting a rush out of it and getting the satisfaction of saving someone

[@khalidsafir]

Thank you. Something about those stories really touched me deeply. The guy in the first story - who risked his like to save the speaker's and then walked away without mentioning his name - and the people who saved other peoples' lives and say there's nothing different about them - those stories made me want to cry. The talk troubles me a bit though, because although I try to help people as much as I can, I think I've got one of those "psychopathic" selfish brains. I think I'm the best, peoples' stupidity annoys me. I often wish I wasn't like that. Anyway, thank you.

[@Aethelhadas]

Interesting. This is the first time I have heard someone who would have preferred to be altruistic and kinder.

[@erinmiller1559]

honestly the way i see it, the more you practice empathy and seeing the world through a positive lens, the more likely u are to become altruistic. be the change you want to see in the world. for me, i find it rlly difficult to be kind and to feel taken advantage of for that. seeing ppl be kind reminds me of who i am and who i want to be

[@Aethelhadas]

@@erinmiller1559 I agree. I am sure it is something we can all foster. If someone was a diagnosed psychopath, they could be an altruistic person too albeit harder i suppose. Maybe out of sympathy. Or really strong logical moral value to 'do the right thing', since they cant be driven by empathy (if im not mistaken). If something can happen later on in life and change someone dramatically, it doesnt seem to far fetch to believe it is the same case for altruism. People can change. It's not too late. We should absolutely think of being kind and altruistic and something we can all choose to be everyday!

[@alibeaumont-filder3185]

Thank you for highlighting ...what is necessary for true altruism, what determines the nature of those without it , and those whom offer in positive extreme too . So very powerful how you shared and delivered . Thank you

[@littlebearmedia]

It's an interesting study and a great book. Easy read with powerful information.

[@ronpaulrevered]

At least she correctly observers that economic well-being is the factor most responsible for altruism.

[@benroddick9763]

It may be responsible for acts of altruism but it isn't responsible for who is altruistic

[@Illlium]

@@benroddick9763 Irrelevant. Even the extreme pit of human dysfunction can be peer-pressured into being altruistic given the means of 'committing' altruism. People are only as good as their society allows them to be.

[@littlebearmedia]

Responsible for Volunteerism overall.

[@littlebearmedia]

@@benroddick9763 Volunteerism more so, I think was the point.

[@clt5146]

Does this explain why, when I was eight, I felt compelled to yell and charge at two older boys, who were torturing a kitten, until they ran away? I still remember the feeling of outrage coursing through me when I saw how the poor kitten was suffering. Never even hesitated to think...just knew I had to do something immediately to stop them

[@spaceinmyhead6698]

I've always found it odd that I was always the person in grade school and middle school who dropped everything to help another, but looking at it and knowing that I come from a family of people who work in healthcare, or with helping others, I guess it actually makes a lot of sense. Both my mom and dad work and help others, and so they taught me to help when ever possible I could.

[@wholeshebang1]

Same, here. My mom was a nurse and my dad a cop (mid-1950s to mid-'80s), so good values and helping others were engrained in me and my siblings. I learned basic first aid from my mom, and later Girl Scouts - and have been certified in first aid for a number of years (I'm 62). I learned self-defence moves from my dad, as well as how he'd helped people in distress by being calm. I also took Wen-do and Krav Maga, for personal protection. Once, on a highway, my folks came across a car crash, so my dad directed traffic around the cars, while my mom adminstered first aid to the injured, until police/ambulance arrived (this was _before_ cellphones). That sunk in. I had good role models, and I happen to be a sensitive and empathetic person, so I tend to be the first (and sometimes only) one to act when someone is in trouble, and have put my _first aid skills_ - and new-ish _conflict resolution_ and _active listening skills_ to use in challenging situations. I live in a big city in Canada, and have been a year-round cyclist for 30+ years, so I've been able to help cyclists who've been hit or cut off by cars and crashed, or wiped out on streetcar tracks, as well as pedestrians who've been injured, or collapsed from heat. I've also been on first aid crews and been a "ranger" at huge, themed camping trips, roaming the site and keeping an eye out for potential dangers. I've been a blood and plasma donor for 30 years. As they say, "It's in you to give." I would donate a kidney or part of my liver to a family member or close friend, though am unsure if I would for a stranger - I'd have to weigh the risks. I've seen outreach for donors in the news and checked if my blood type matched (it didn't). I've broken up fights and domestic disputes (I'm a woman) with my words, except for the time I stepped off a streetcar and into a fight between 2 women. I had a broken ankle in a cast and used my voice, telling them to stop, while prying them apart with my cane - as others just stood around and watched. They stopped and I continued home. Whenever I've helped someone using my wits, knowledge and calm, focused state of mind in an emergency, I later reflect upon my late parents with gratitude for their lessons in humanity and being of service to others.

[@wholeshebang1]

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that kind strangers have helped me when I've crashed my bike over the past 30-odd years (sustaining head and other injuries) - one was a nurse, another was a doctor, most others were average people like me - other cyclists, pedestrians or drivers (not the ones who caused them). I've also occasionally become emotionally distraught (due to PTSD & other mental health issues), weeping in public, and people have checked in with me, which helped me collect myself. I'm *grateful* for their *_compassion_* and *_willingness_* to assist me.

[@userrr703]

Thank you so much. Thanks to this ted talk I realized my passion for neuroscience. I watched this ted talk 5 years ago and it changed my life. For 5 years I searched about neuroscience so much, thanks to realizing my passion after this video ❤

[@jacobhayes5305]

It's amazing to see how many people interpret altruism and a lot of these philosophies and so many different ways

[@somechump1402]

Being realistic, the difference between donating blood/bone marrow and a kidney is that your body doesn't make more kidneys to replace removed ones

[@thenarcissistsscapegoat5091]

Ok bigshot, then go donate some blood marrow.

[@earlaweese]

*You’ll probably be able to 3D-print a kidney soon.*

[@MakeItDontFakeIt]

(Super late, but ..) That’s true, but your body can function just fine with one kidney, like it can after donating blood, bone marrow, etc. There have obviously been significant medical advances that have made it possible/easier on the donator to donate those things to others, but it also took a level of empathy and compassion on the parts of people who made those developments to help others.

[@BrunoWonderEscritor]

Wow! This talk just blew me away!!! Bravo!

[@BlueyMcPhluey]

the chart at 11:00 is a great case for a Basic Income and completely goes against the idea that if you give people money they will become lazier

[@BlueyMcPhluey]

***** nope

[@alexcamilleri3997]

Lilou ou Many Americans have a serious aversion to any form of helping hand in their society. It's a true dog-eat-dog world they live in, a land ruled by business. They are blind as to why that's wrong and will even argue to keep it the same. Sad place.

[@juvetb1]

Questions for Abigail Marsh: 1) How would you define "with strong genetic roots" for psychopathy 2) YOu mentioned that psychopathy is one end of the continuum, with strong genetic roots. Following this, do you think extraordinary altruists, on the other end of your continuum, is also rooted genetically? Why also, do you view altruism as the opposite of psychopathy? 3) There is a bit of a paradox. The amygdala helps us regulate fear and anger and aggression. So that man who saved you, if he was an extraordinary altruist, with a larger and more reactive amygdala, wouldn't he have also been more fearful for his life crossing traffic? 4) S.M had no amygdala. She did not seem to be psychopathic. 5) Besides the amygdala, what about the anterior cingulate? Do you think there might be a difference between psychopaths and extraordinary altruists?

[@manuj2868]

Jeffrey Ong Those are some good questions

[@jeremywolf9472]

Bravery: doing something even thought you are afraid, not doing it because you do not feel fear.

[@NashLaoShi]

Yes Jeffrey, excellent questions. I'm not a neuroscientist, but I have tried to be a non-directed kidney donor - 3 times, rejected each time by a medical establishment that abhors the idea - so perhaps I can shed some light, at least on question #3. I still have the fear of dying with two healthy kidneys, knowing that one of them could have saved someone else's life. In my life, this fear is far greater than my fear of dying from the donation, which is about 3 of every 10,000. Indeed, I often tell people that the actual death rate is 100% and since I'm definitely going to die, dying while saving others is my preferred choice. Now, I don't have a death wish and don't wish to die today, or anytime in the near future. But death is assured and I don't fear it.

[@icaptureditforyou]

@2:58 "EGO" It has to do with capacity, or the measurement of oneself's own abilities, tying into "USE"; purpose, or "UTILITY", is an important aspect of the human membrane in conjunction with the human psyche that enables us to react on instinct based on the circumstances we're placed in. In the example of this speaker, however, the man was simply enacting his prowess based on his prior experiences, and without disagreement, he planned to save a life long before the incident occurred. You can ask the man for yourself, and he will not deny this case as such. He was ready, and he performed. You cannot stop a man from wanting to rule the world in the same sense, a man trying to save a life. This is the complex dynamic of the human condition, and this state of our metacognitive understanding. We do what we do because we can, not because we are necessarily thinking of other people when we're actually helping ourselves. Believe it as it is, or don't, but that is the state of our manifestation, and there is only so much you can do to change that reality

[@davidbanning7026]

Thank you - I only checked this out as a friend has described herself as Altruistic - and I needed to know the meaning - this i an excellent description. This illustrates it amazingly - i actually feel that I have these traits myself and this was illustrated when my wife had cancer. She knew she was going to die - and in about 2 months - I knew too. I said if I could swap places with you I would - and she replied if the situation was reversed she would too - it did not see (at the time) she should be dieing in two months THANK YOU - I listen to WED in my ca 60% of the time now - to fill my head with such ideas as I pursue my life in this way

[@rozegold6843]

Interesting to hear. I enjoyed the information.

[@yman420]

Let’s be humble and spread love to all people!

[@Yourfriendhakke]

She literally said their amygdalyas are different than the average person yet then starts this bullshit that these altruists "have no center circle". No.

[@sillysallyceli]

Can you clarify what you meant, please?

[@Yourfriendhakke]

okay. She showed, clearly, that these super altruistic people have bigger amygdalas than normal people, and this is correlated to psychopathy and obviously altruism. so that's her point. Why does she then go into this bullshit about center and outer circles of compassion? Theres no real evidence for that, just interviews where the altruistic people say they're normal. but they're not normal they have bigger amygdalas. which is the real reason for the altruism. not some bullshit about circles

[@lovingboarding]

+Jake C Well you can train your brain to become more altruistic, more compassionate.

[@JapaneseModernist]

thanks for summing it up. I was afraid it was some physiological builshit and I am glad I won't have to watch it anymore

[@JoystickStereo]

She was just talking about how altruists view themselves and their actions; pay attention; she wasn't presenting that as part of the facts about what actually influences them.

[@Shezmen88]

This was a VERY interesting speech! Totally don't understand the dislikes : | It baffles me.

[@JoystickStereo]

Because a bunch of anti-social people seem to dislike the fact that she expanded the topic to the social level (you know, the level that involves all human interaction and is extremely important).

[@MidEnginedSedan]

I disliked the video because it's built on the assumption that Materialism is true. Assumption is not grounds for scientific facts.

[@teresaboze69]

+Matthew Shezmen Be unbaffled. Baffled is a state of confusion. If you cannot perceive why another would be confused, you are acting from a self-centered place, not a centered-self place.

[@teresaboze69]

+Obvious ninja you are over reaching. black and white thinking. them/us. how can people openly stating they do not understand become labeled "anti-social" in your perspective?

[@teresaboze69]

+MidEnginedSedan Can you provide the basis for your position that the video has a premise that "Materialism is true" from material from the video, please?

[@Widdekuu91]

I've been told to never put your own life at risk for someone else, but if you know you can save them easily without many risks, then go for it. I've saved one person, so far, that had overdosed and the only risk there was, is getting my bag stolen in the process (didn't happen! But the risk was there, I threw it on the ground and didn't take it back until the stranger woke up again.) I wouldn't want to jump in after a drowning-victim though, since my swimming is not top-notch. I'd not run in front of a train, since my level of fit-ness is not very high atm. But I would definitely rescue someone if I knew I could.

[@cardiacmyxoma4073]

What a fantastic talk!

[@m.riveram9217]

This makes so much sense!

[@biggoofybastard]

Perhaps the difference in size of that part of the brain is a symptom of either atrophy, or overuse, and not the cause itself of the behaviors.

[@FrogLehane]

I don't want to rewatch the video but I'm pretty sure she was talking about a correlation and not a causation. As any descent scientist would.

[@basakyildirim]

That talk was so fluent, i couldn’t even notice the video is over.

[@Yarshy.]

So happy this talk exists

[@baller15g]

Some people have bigger hearts and are just more loving. It’s that simple.

[@kaarinamindaly4525]

Thank you, Dr. Marsh,, For making my day,, this morning after Christmas and within Chanukah. You speak an objective truth which may benefit us all if we can courageously grow beyond our merely personal concerns and honestly aspire to selflessness responsibly, not being mired in obfuscation of depression und so writer, overdefensive reactions that are fear-based and isolating. (Damnable auto-correct; sic)

[@ThePatrickykm]

Great talk! Thanks for the informative and detail explanation on the subject. You mentioned that selflessness is on the rise I absolutely disagree. Could it be perhaps the world population rise that gives it an impression that selflessness is on the rise likewise some might also say there's more self centred selfish ppl now then ever. I'm of the theory that capitalism is the main cause for selfishness. I believe more and more people are not agreeable to capitalism and perhaps these are the people that do not look at them self as the centre and are more selfless.

[@mayanovak2497]

I remember one time my psychopath ex called me and said someone is dying by the pool I ran out and hopped three fences to be with the poor kid as he bled to death by the pool. My ex literally didn’t even care

[@Aethelhadas]

Im so sorry you had to go through it. It must have been traumatizing to watch and not be able to do anything. I hope the kid is at peace now wherever he is. And I hope you can heal from all your ex has put you through.

[@mayanovak2497]

@@Aethelhadas thank you so much, it’s been four years since the relationship ended and I heal more and more each day. And I think about that boy who died and his family all the time. It was definitely traumatizing and it haunted me but I’m happy I could be with him so he didn’t have to die all by himself. I feel honored that life put me there with him at that time. Thank you so much for your kind comment

[@fikriyeunal8042]

This is wonderful and great.

[@realastropulse]

But what if my remarkably grandiose sense of self worth makes me help someone for the sheer ability to brag about it later, would that not be both psychopathic and somewhat altruistic in a sense?

[@trulycentral]

I think you have it quite wrong Abigail when you say that having more wealth makes you altruistic. I am from Kathmandu, Nepal and growing up in a low-income country, we used to share anything we had with our neighbours, especially when we didn't have anything in plenty. Then the city grew big and everyone became strangers and we stopped sharing anything with anyone else. Gone are the days when your neighbour just knocks on your door and gives you corn and guava that grew in their fields and gardens. The importance of wealth for any service from education to health made us rather selfish. Only a few really get to become wealthy because things are so expensive now, that having higher income basically means higher expenditure. We don't have anything to give and we are rather busy in this 'modern' lifestyle. But altruism is still common in the rural areas of my country where they still have nothing. Those who have nothing are the ones who share because they know how it feels like to have nothing. I can only say from my observation that being the wealthy first makes you selfish, and only in abundance could you become altruistic--but altruism with sympathy, not empathy.

[@warpigs9069]

I agree one of my best friends is from Haiti and she's one of the kindest people I've ever met

[@AngelOfPodreness]

Its important to remember that altruistic acts need not the altruistic feeling. They can also be driven by moral principles. For instance you can feel nothing towards animal suffering but still be vegan, if you have the moral principle of minimizing suffering

[@nvmffs]

What would be the connection then? Why would you have that moral principle if you felt nothing towards animal suffering?

[@AngelOfPodreness]

@@nvmffs good question. It implies that moral principles only make sense if they are based on what the person feels. I personally dont agree with that, but it is still a valid moral guideline if you agree. But it creates problems because you see anyone could justify anything they want, and that for sure is not optimal.

[@juliocesarcaye2946]

the comparison between kidney doners and the man who saved her like seems... weak. one is a snap of the moment decision, the other a deliberate action of looking for a clinic and having your kidney remove within some weeks. Good talk, though

[@SakanaOtoko]

Sounds like room for further research

[@markrevis2667]

I believe in order for a deed to be altruistic the individual sacrificing must directly see the impact they are having. Additionally it can’t be money or support for a particular cause but rather time spent performing tasks to help others

[@mvbpda]

Wow ! I love this

[@anee7163]

Oh 😞 that's ended!! I wanna listen you more😕

[@Nashy119]

I think your perspective on this will really be tinted by where you grew up and where you live. For example, those who grew up surrounded by a nice community, a pleasant place with lots of kind people getting along and doing their best.Those places do tend to be more wealthy. They will see murder as bad not because it might happen to them, but because of the hurt and loss. So if they have the chance to save a life, instead of letting a person die, it's a pretty big deal. Other people live in a places where they can't even trust a neighbour to pick up their Amazon delivery, depressing places, from the comments I assume they don't really care about others outside of what others can do for them.

[@uselesshero]

You also help people because it's pretty easy, compared to what they are going through. Simple example, a car breaks down and the driver is trying to push it out of the road. Close to impossible solo, but with two people takes 30 seconds of your day. More tech savvy people can check what's wrong, usually something simple and they are on their way. You just turned someone's day around and it took you 5 minutes max.

[@btown8210]

That’s a guardian angel. No stranger

[@yiumandy1049]

Interesting to hear!!

[@ChrisHDbruh]

POV:You had to watch this in class.

[@swissplayah]

would have been interesting to dig into evolutionary reasons for altruism (aka the 100 years ago donating marrow being unusual is unrelated to altruism: it was an unknown medical technique)

[@sayyadinasri]

I would love to see someone discuss why: some people can empathize for the plight of animals who are forced to live- to die for “food”. Why can some people see slaughterhouse footage and never eat animal products again, and why others just don’t care and continue to contribute to: the death of 59 billion animals a year, the loss of antibiotic efficacy, rainforest deforestation for soy which 94% goes to animals in ag instead of starving people. Why does such a small percentage of the population care?

[@Aethelhadas]

I want to know too

[@kidneedonor8088]

Abigail, Are you willing to donate your spare kidney? I donated both bone marrow and a kidney to strangers. These are the best things I will ever do. Thanks for this talk.

[@samisouth]

I think that the gap between altruistic people and phsychopathic people is very small. Everyone who does any altruistic action is acctually extremely un-altruistic and doing such acts of selflessness give them a huge buzz and make them feel great about themselves. So being selfless for some people makes them feel on top of the world like a drug and they also get social rewards and respect from society as a whole and this isn’t a gain you can really measure but I’d say it’s nearly impossible to do any altruistic act even because of the huge rewards that can’t be matched by anything physical even if it is your subconscious that is chasing the buzz off of doing a “altruistic act” it still makes being altruistic impossible. Say you want to live an extremely altruistic life... that isn’t altruistic because you’re whole Desiré in life is to be altruistic so every altruistic action is actually selfish. Catch 22

[@samisouth]

In order to be truly altruistic you would have to be a sociopath or a phsychopath who feels no empathy. This seems highly unlikely to ever happen.

[@lashondam3768]

@@samisouth society is diseased so most people following trends and looking for social media approval from strangers are Sociopathic

[@NashLaoShi]

As the French say: "The ends, touch."

[@sillysallyceli]

Mmmmm, this makes so much sense, I often wondered how someone could stand there and do nothing- she didn't mention empathy but when I see someone in distress my heart breaks I see myself in them, and I can't stop to think I have to help I have take action- my family has gotten upset Bc they said I have put myself in dangerous situation to help others but I think how, I'm no different from them with a flip of a coin I could be in their shoes, I work with teen and young adults w/severe disabilities & ppl stop and ask how can you do that job, i couldn't change adult diapers and I just shrug Bc it's gonna happen to all of us. It's true I have never thought myself special, I see everyone the same, no matter the situation. And no matter how small the deed, I feel like I did my part, i feel I upheld my duty.

[@brokenbutterfly3178]

Do you do it more so cause that's how you derive your self worth and importance?

[@beautifulmindbyjayasingh2472]

Very informative, thanks

[@saxxyoboe]

This makes me want to get a brain scan.

[@tomordahl7513]

He acted instinktly, like people who tread on the tail of a cat pull the leg up at once, before thinking. So this is something most people do. The story to the lady here is special in that way that most people who would have been in the position of the man instinctively would have reacted the same way, but when thinking of the danger related to it took the instincts place would they probably think of what they could do without risking their lives.Very good that he did what he did, and he was most likely alone there he stood. Someone in a group of people is less likely to da the same.

[@northshift]

Why am i crying?

[@dcphillips1991]

I always wonder why I act without even thinking about it, It's quite strange.

[@ladysmith7747]

I think that it has to do with a high degree of empathy and feeing on connection.

[@minimaxhall]

To put it roughly.... In a society where some people can basically and fundamentally do whatever they want.... Regardless of its legality or other factors.. If one lives a life where one "basically" can do what one wants and wants to live like this.. To quote some "far out there" words from something: *"Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law."* If you live by that.. *Consider this*.... What if what a person really and truly wants or "wilts" in this case... Really and undeniably is the well being of others (her environment including its people) for the sake of her or his own well being among other things? What if this truly and most honestly deeply was the reality of the situation.. That the most important and deepest wish and desire for certain individuals straight up is to ensure the well being of its environment.. And sometimes even *Especially* people? And that's that.. Regardless of any other factor in the matter? Doesn't that sorta fall under this? What I mean with my introduction if you read that far is... For those people who have "achieved" to use that word.. The understanding and knowledge that to live like freedom... To do what one likes regardless of all potential choices one can make in this life... Someones choose to live like that... Apart from any other choice... *With great power comes great responsibility*... Maybe it's just nothing Idk... :) Nice presentation non the less! Thanks for the share!

[@niralitanna]

beautiful

[@timbim5505]

what is the correlation of extremely altruistic people towards strangers and how they act towards their own family?. My father was extremely altruistic and would help any stranger or anybody that he barely knew and risk life and limb for them but he was extremely abusive towards his children and wife.

[@suicune2001]

That could be more of a focus on perceived altruism instead of actually being altruistic. He wanted others to look up to him. He didn't have to pretend with his family.

[@tharun960]

I wonder if your family was missing from his circle of compassion. Maybe this family relationship needs work.. Work that's not happening?

[@dontaskmeimjustagirl...5798]

Maybe his "altruism" was based upon a poor self image and he perceived his family as an extension of himself and therefore unworthy.

[@knightfox1461]

This!!! I wanted to point this because my mother suffers from my father's readiness to help others and I fear my wife will (actually is) be suffering from mine. The worst is in business I don't have that "drive for money" at all

[@warpigs9069]

I see everyone as equally important individuals with varied needs and desires. I am aware that I'm different but I can't tolerate ableism. I think about others over my own needs. I tell myself I'm technically selfish because I know that improving my environment helps me. But I'm truth, I just like helping others. I don't think I can donate a kidney though. I'm deathly afraid pain and heights. They scare me

[@nertoni]

Fascinating neuroanatomical difference between altruists and psychopaths!

[@godopeach90]

If you like this and are moved by the thought of an altruistic society, you should start doing some honest and unbiased research into communism. I'm pretty well known as being selfless to a fault by anyone that knows me and it was that character trait that eventually led me to leftist politics. In order to truly adopt that way of thinking, you need to really love the world you live in and the people that share it with you. Its totally plausible that there is no inherent meaning to the universe around us, and while that sounds scary on its surface, I think it leaves open the possibility that we can impose our own meaning on our shared realities. Look inwards to what you desire - happiness, comfort, fulfillment, etc - and then do your best to provide those things to the communities around you at every chance you get. Once enough people begin to embrace a path like that, the world will begin to shift into what we truly want it to be. Sorry for the rant, Im just really passionate about this.

[@xariah2546]

You explain your thoughts really well, and I see your thought process here. You have a hankering that life might be meaningless and you also are a human with natural tendencies and desire for fulfillment and relationship. Here is my response: Meaning is inherent in our world and in our humanity. Even if we do not feel it, it is there. We often are not in touch with it due to dissatisfaction with things of the world such as politics, our own difficulties and personal battles and the stark injustice around the world. So naturally we decide that if things are as bad as they, they have no meaning. As I said, this is a normal conclusion to draw, but not true. If the world had no meaning, then there would not be reality, not any prospect of good or evil, yet all three of those concepts are in effect. Leftist politics and creating your own reality will not fulfilling the void of meaninglessness that we all struggle with. What fills it is perfect love. Perfect love comes from Jesus. He will give you not your human desires but a higher destiny full of meaning and purpose. Our meaning and purpose as people is to worship God, our maker. But our sin nature separated us from life with God, so we struggle generation to generation. But God will redeem us, and He is with us through the dark valleys of life~

[@glebperch5725]

@@xariah2546 Jesus was a Socialist. The New Testament is full of left-wing sentiments. In contrast, the Satanic Bible sounds like it was written by Ayn Rand.

[@mobinbestintheworld9229]

he was Batman !!! probably...

[@its_anonymous1289]

Remember when you watched this

[@gugunanak134]

Does altruism beats bystander Effect?

[@keithbell9348]

The world today is becoming better and more loving? What year was this interview, 1912?

[@gwf2344]

Interesting talk. Is a wealthier place with better economy the cause of it, or does it merely provide the opportunity? Poor people desperate for how they will survive day to day are stressed, their care focuses deep on where they are and their own, and they don't have the luxury of excess. I wonder too if the supposed humility of altruistic people could also be sprinkled with a desire to feel better about themselves, not having a center and not willing to see themselves as unique could also be a sign of their self-critical nature, feelings of worthlessness, and this altruistic act gives them worth & value?

[@SupernaturalBeingsofEarth]

I get that, very interesting 👍

[@jam5533]

I'm pretty altruistic and my empathy is pretty good since I can understand others. I like to help others too.

[@3RDNBZ]

Wow! In the short comment of just 20 words you managed to praise yourself 4 times. You are obviously the center of your world and not the extreme altruist that she is speaking about. I’m not doubting that you’re a good person but we all need to think about others instead of ourselves. God bless us all! . . . .

[@jam5533]

@@3RDNBZYes I do agree with you that we should help others who are in need of help or want help, but honestly I don't really view myself as the center of the world. I do think of others and try to help out with whatever I can. I wasn't trying to come across as praising myself, wasn't trying to do that just telling. Don't really care much about myself, but I do care for others. Not everything is about me and I'm fine with that. Don't love myself nor see myself as the center of the universe. I'm not that kind of person at all.

[@3RDNBZ]

Langley Gaming -Well that’s good to hear and it does sound like you’re a conscientious and caring person. God bless you and your family. By the way, do you know what ALTRUISM means to me? . . . . A*Loving*Thoughtful*Renaissance*United*In*Saving*Mankind.

[@jam5533]

@@3RDNBZ Thank you and same with you and others too! I do know what altruism means.

[@narmeloxn3138]

@@jam5533 You are same with me

[@d3ci.b3L]

I consider myself lower than the general population, and have graciously given to people at my own expense, but when it interferes with my ability to care for my daughters, I place them first.

[@MarkSchwendau]

The community cafe concept of One World Everybody Eats is a good example of a trend in altruistic living.

[@cosmoplakat9549]

Donating a kidney will never be as common as donating blood because the pool of medically qualified donors is much smaller. There are all sorts of restrictions on being an organ donor, such as age (mostly under 50 or even younger), medications taken, smoking/vaping, drug and alcohol use, and many types of health problems (e.g. Hep C, prior cancer treatment, heart failure, COPD) that preclude donation. Plus it's a major operation as opposed to a needle stick. Some people otherwise qualified can't do it because they can't afford to take all that time off work for testing, counseling, and the operation and recovery, or they have small children to take care of.

[@Usenabt]

The mind/soul, dictates the activity of our brains and therefore body & physical actions.

[@MrPeterthepilot]

Suggest that altruists are not different in that their altruism on a deep level, makes them feel fulfilled and feeds their self-identity. Wonder if this area was part of the research.

[@jacobhayes5305]

Every situation's differentjust like every single individual on the planet is different every single person is different

[@zakian4772]

Ok so can a person somehow make thier amygdala bigger or more reactive? Or does it like grow once you start to care more about people? because if it doesn't then that means that people are altruistic just because of thier genes from thier parents and we can't do anything about it if we don't have a large reactive one. But if it could change than people who are like phycos can become caring or vise versa...Does it change based on expierence? Please answer if u know...😐

[@saatviks8311]

then wouldn't psychopaths etc be given treatment such as what u mentions to make them normal/more caring

[@saatviks8311]

mentioned*

[@JuanPablodelaTorre]

Empathy can be trained and psychopaths can be taught to care for other people. www.livescience.com/38421-psychopaths-feel-empathy-when-they-try.html

[@gg8382]

Just say you are not alone n leave them be.

[@angelachen1656]

Great！The value of life.

[@internetmail3888]

Focus all resources on teaching parents all about psychological attachment theory if you want to create a healthy future population of altruistic people. You can't easily fix adults once the damage is done.

[@LloydJAnthony]

Isn't the logical answer simply that a thoughtful 'rescuer' recognises that at some point, they may be in a situation of danger, thus it makes sense to help a stranger, in an attempt to set an example, so that should they ever need it, a stranger may help them too, almost like an insurance policy? The end goal being a society full of rescuers which will benefit all. Arguably, altruism isn't pure since, in benefiting the individual, society benefits, and so the rescuer benefits also. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a problem with it, just suggesting an alternative to altruists being different in one way to perhaps simply being more logical. If everyone practiced mindfulness, there'd be no wars.

[@sleepyjoebiden2756]

Why some TED talks are better than others by Thomas Smith !

[@dustynbones]

I've been living in Tacoma, WA., for the last 25 years but never seen anybody who looks like Aderis Alba. There is a strong possibility that he was in the USARMY stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA. (Lakewood/Tacoma, WA)

[@ExperimentLife]

Although it may seem like a trend, i dont think anyone can say that this will be the norm. With all the advancements in technology, medicine, and socialities, how can anyone come up with a demonstrable outcome?

[@Nikitoz9595]

Damn, I am a 21 old man but when she told her story at the begining my eyes became a little bit wet 'cus I imagined saving her like that man did.

[@Nelster]

If humility makes angels of men, then what is it that humbles men?

[@greog1108]

Experience.

[@Roll587]

I'd also be interested in seeing if altruistic people tend to exist is specific areas of their social networks.

[@alandiazmorales7177]

ɷ Heeyy Frienddsss I Haveeeee Justtt Wonnnn Branddd New Samsung Galaxy s7 From visittt : - t.co/6p1aPsvKM0

[@yasin3210]

I don't think extraordinary altruism isn't really proof that human can be inherently selfless. I myself have very low empathy and compassion for others. I'm really selfish, maybe almost psychopathic. But still, I would preform acts of extraordinary altruism, I would risk my life to safe someone I never met. But not out of compassion. I would do this to feel good about myself. Or actually, to reinforce the image I got about myself. I would act heroic just so I can keep seeing myself as a good person. So I don't really think people can really act 100% selfless

[@paulines581]

Interesting. Does context affect and upbringing affect you? What is a genuine commonwealth soul? What is the difference in ideology between genuine altruism vs extreme altruism vs a dog eat dog mentality?

[@goldmeteora5617]

Briliant

[@earlaweese]

*What’s the difference between selfishness and neediness?*

[@jmbw4271]

i think some of the main motivations for altruistic behavior come from a sense of gratitude and equally deserved justice. understanding that we all wont get the same chances in life but we all can give up ours tu give better chances to someone who really needs them. Just like someone may have done for us in the past.

[@thomaschan5018]

Very interesting lecture.

[@user-eo3kd7gm8u]

I think maybe that person wants to be thanked, wants to feel needed by others. It's just my thought, maybe they are really non-self centered and are willing to help with no reward of any kind.

[@bambina772]

So does it mean I’m a psychopath if I laughed at 4:45 😂😂😂😬

[@boogoesthedynomite]

Careful TED saying there are genetic differences among people is "racist, sexist, xenophobic......." At the least this is based on some science so there is that. Even if it is filled with SJ buzzwords.

[@mike5774]

I believe the food we eat effects our behaviour to a large extent. People who eat animals have animal behaviour, people who eat fruits are more kind, tolerant and intelligent. We need to change human discourse that they eat fruits.