We Are Built To Be Kind

Human nature is often portrayed as selfish and power hungry, but research by UC Berkeley's Dacher Keltner finds that we are hard-wired to be kind.
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How Power Makes People Selfish: • How Power Makes People...
Greed is good. War is inevitable. Whether in political theory or popular culture, human nature is often portrayed as selfish and power hungry. UC Berkeley psychologist Dacher Keltner challenges this notion of human nature and seeks to better understand why we evolved pro-social emotions like #empathy, compassion and gratitude.
We've all heard the phrase 'survival of the fittest', born from the Darwinian theory of natural selection. Keltner adds nuance to this concept by delving deeper into Darwin's idea that sympathy is one of the strongest human instincts - sometimes stronger than self-interest.
FEATURING: Dacher Keltner, professor of #psychology and founding faculty director of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley
The research highlighted in this video has been supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health, the Fetzer Institute, and the John Templeton Foundation.
Berkeley Social Interaction Lab: socrates.berkeley.edu/~keltner/
Greater Good Science Center: greatergood.berkeley.edu/
#psychology #kindness #ucberkeley
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Fig. 1 explores new ideas and research out of the University of California - ranging from science, technology, art and humanities. Get inside the mind of a researcher.
Find more research at: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/

[@bkxls]

"No individual organism is like another". Individuality (not individualism) is the most important characteristic of living beings. Being empathic is a powerful trait to interrelate us in a closer dialogue than any other species, allowing us to be sociable and still keep being unique entities, self-conscious.

[@tizag]

You were my teacher at UC Berkeley, you are really my inspiring beacon for life. God bless you Dr. Dacher Keltner for the good you bring to all humanity.

[@ooseum87]

POV: Your teacher sent you here

[@autogamer7281]

dude that is my exact situation rn lol

[@igndragcllckii7545]

Lmao rn

[@leahtuininga5285]

lmao yup but its interesting

[@vunessuh]

yup gotta love em online classes

[@user-jy7iz5mr2t]

Yupp

[@Psych2go]

This video is so well done!

[@Dj-ft6ez]

Hiii Psych2Go

[@fig1]

There's a reason insults stick with us longer than compliments. 😓Watch our video on how our brains are wired for negative thoughts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYXLhqWMjd9soJI

[@eyestorm]

When I was in Uganda visiting a group of women with albinism, we were amazed to see how strong and happy the ladies in this community were. They hugged, they touched, they joined in with everything and - we laughed out loud. Proper deep belly laughing that almost hurt the tummy. Despite their very very limited resources, despite the horrendous experiences they have had, despite living with consistent discrimination, we laughed together more there than we do back home. This video describes the reason "why poor communities have such enormous strength, more generosity and more empathy, that many people in more privileged circumstances miss." Thank you and shared. Mi

[@Seeker]

Wow wow wow! Looking forward to more videos!

[@teachkindnessfirst8612]

I especially love the evidence provided on how compassion is traced back to our old brain. Thank you for this research which offers hope for our societies.

[@katelynnemece581]

Sometimes we forget that empathy is a strength. Empathy can be seen as stupid and emotion based, which well I guess you could say that it is, but empathy is one of humanities greatest strengths.

[@VegaChastain]

Perhaps we should ask (across as wide a spectrum as is possible) - 'Which came first, the wealth or the selfishness?' This seems like a more valid experiment, although it would also be hard to quantify. I tend to side with +rosa pipe on this one: that a compassion deficit is present in the individual inherently (whether by nature or nurture) and this contributes to the selfishness needed to wildly accrue wealth. Of course this does not explore variables such as a person's inheritance, their exposure to wealth and banking education, or personal proclivity toward greed. Fascinating topic that I myself would like to study!

[@onefodderunit]

Agreed. Some people are compelled to be leaders by their natural love to do things right, but there are other types who are born hyper-ambitious, and not only want to be the boss, but monopolize industries. Belief in their money and their superiority is the extent of their "God"

[@waxon2]

This video gives me scientifically-based hope that regular people can learn to stand together, compassionately, for Planet and People against the machine of the anti-Life Military Industrial Financial Media Academic Complexes that benefit only the elite and mostly drive all policy and priorities. A budget is a list of priorities. Thank you professor Keltner and UCB :)

[@obscuresorrows]

Wow! very interesting, looking forward to more videos.

[@usualavantgasp]

i have an obsession for this editing style

[@Maltcider]

Selfishness in social animals includes helping others. Defining it as something that helps the individual at the expense, or indifference, of another, is wrong and is a dysfunctional behaviour.

[@knabellaks]

Thank you so much for this video. Using this in high-school psychology classes together with some written articles in Norway. Great work! And great research.

[@exileddemonangel]

This video made me feel happy to be human. But then, it make me wonder. If kindness is hardwired on people, then what causes some people to not be kind?

[@brunogmguerra]

I'm guessing they are among the "non" fittest.

Money :(

[@georgeentertainment7185]

We are all similar but not exactly the same. Levels of sympathy, empathy, etc. vary across the board. What triggers empathy in one might not in other. Some might be empathetic with people of other ethnic groups, some, might not. And the same may apply with genders and casts of all kinds (economic, social, religious, etc.)

[@bfreeds]

Perhaps a political-economic system that values and rewards what is most inhumane (selfishness, profit, wealth)?

[@skybluskyblueify]

There's another video from this series that shows that power tends to decrease empathy. Give someone power over others and they act selfishly. I wonder if the more power it is the more selfish they are?

[@holistic1951]

Empathy is a basic human trait. It is required of every human being to share excess of anything with the needy and let everyone enjoy life to the fullest. Sharing with others is duty being a responsible person of the society. One does not do any favor to the person or group sharing the blessing with. On the contrary, amassement of wealth is criminality and cause imbalance in the society.

[@1957mhoffman]

Great video, thanks for this!

[@ari3lz3pp]

This is so cool! What is left out is the fact that mental disorders are rising that affect the ability to feel empathy. Especially narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy. Autistic people were thought to have low empathy, but in fact they tend to have much more intense empathy if they understand the impact. They have a difficulty with Theory of Mind; which can create the illusion that they don't care when they simply do not understand. There's a difference. Unfortunately I would venture to say it takes more WORK and effort for an autistic person to get past their individual struggles, SPD (part of the criteria for ASD) can be a painful and daunting experience in itself. Meanwhile, others might activate naturally to gain understanding of other's Theory of Mind, they also do not have as many of the other "speed bumps" of disorders such as ASD. Not to be overly pragmatic after such an uplifting message put forth in the video; but I do feel sympathy is possibly generated as a means of surviving in society. (Healthy) People as a whole are naturally more social than other creatures. It's what aided in the progression of humanity by ways of "power in numbers". Such as optimum choices, and more opportunities, for breeding. As a Christian I feel there is more to it than that, and we possibly will never comprehend that in our lifetimes. But from a scientific point-of-view it makes sense that people will naturally be inclined towards sympathy for these reasons. Others not naturally inclined would probably learn behaviors associated with sympathy given the consequences socially necessary for success and survival.

[@rivkaesther2442]

Really an excellent clip on how our tendency for kindness is the hope of humanity.

[@sssalsera]

Fantastic!!

[@davdaman]

i would like to get a copy of this that uses the term "lower socio-economic class" instead of "lower class" individuals. It correlates 100% to my real world fund raising experience. It also mimics cooperative game theory vs non-cooperative in the leadership games I've played.

[@thutopstpr]

kindness is root of all positive actions. :)

[@socratesDude]

this seems to be a touchy subject. I get a sense that it has deep meaning to many and discussing it brings up a lot of thoughts from many perspectives. observing our behaviour helps us understand ourselves objectively. That's hard to do. Anything that allows further understanding is positive.

[@luciahernandezsolano315]

Thank you so much! Loved the images and the message behind them :3

[@vonmonj]

What kinds of upper class people were you able to study? I ask because I'm curious as to whether or not it's been speculated and tested whether or not the reason that upper class rich people don't have a vegas nerve response to social suffering is due to them having never suffered that feeling. Such that (metaphorically), if I had never experienced the feeling of an apple hitting my head, and saw it happen to someone else, would I still be able to feel empathy even though I don't know that it hurts? I wonder if the compassion deficit is due to simply being extremely well off, or the lack of experience from never struggling.

[@judylayzell8597]

"We have to redefine human self-interest." Intriguing idea with many ramifications at all levels.

[@nunyabidnis3815]

Hi. Yup. You've got that right. To what extent we already, inherently, and extricably do these things, should be considered in the greater picture of behavioral/socio/economics. Now that we know this, why wouldn't we check all our bases? Certainly not lean into denying/excluding that when determining working conditions/acceptable ranges of austerity/standards of living.. etc. It's a missed opportunity for business and individuals not to budget for this factor, too: It would suppress innovation in our working lives not to utilize and account for the full understanding of how we work. There's a metric that just isn't being accounted for.. which means none of our models are measuring how off they are, against that, which I think is your point. Consider, being a CEO, and having a device that resulted in better, happier work/home/community relations the entire time, and just never being trained on using it. Once you know, putting that off or ignoring it, is almost deliberate or ideological; to leave an untapped resource on the table. It'd be interesting to research the rates of productivity/word-of-mouth brand trust and loyalty that could gain, too. We'll see what the future brings. Best of luck to you.

[@sterling3159]

This is great.

[@qeshcosmeticos123]

incrível! obrigada

[@TravelwithMi]

Love this!

[@TheRussianPhenom]

Love this channel :) keep it up!

[@hammybear32]

Aw i loved it :)

[@fig1]

Hey, thanks Joanna Unknown!

[@jameehubbard4139]

me too

[@sharonlyounkin]

what a wonderful video!

[@fresh_memes_8779]

We are built to be kind and expect something in return

[@khalidalzayani7072]

this is Why i left banking and throw away my 500 to 700 USD 12 suits and my 120 USD 20 Ties. I saw the same as what this video explains..could not explain it but i knew i should not hang around bankers / Politicians / Power hungry low lives. Thank you UCLA

[@MagisterHenrik]

Interesting and encouraging. Thanks!

[@SofiaHaargaard]

Uppmuntrande men var kommer då allt hat ifrån..?

[@MagisterHenrik]

Godhet som slagit slint?

[@SofiaHaargaard]

Många det slinter hos då... ;(

[@MagisterHenrik]

Sofia Haargaard Ingen är ofelbar :-)

[@caveman1356]

incredible

[@vitek037]

The greatest enemy of the people are people. People are social pack. It is good to know about ways in this hostile environment survive and live reasonably "happy" life.

[@ShakinJamacian]

Small question on the bit of self-interest: can it be explained what we meant by the "me me me me me" bit? Is that a reference to self as an ego, which is an illusion, or a reference to self-awareness, which itself implies a connection to the goings on that the human has in nature?

[@couricenterforgynecologyan5518]

So true.

[@earlgraystoke8262]

And yet, the people we study in history classes who created empires are those willing to kill the most enemies, non-allies, and even reverse loyalties against former allies. In a more figurative sense, this point applies just as thoroughly in business.

[@robertadorrough3852]

Wondering if stimulation of the vagus nerve will induce a compassionate response in non-responsive subjects. Truly evil people are rare (thus difficult to study) but unfortunately, they are also apparently very influential. Hard to accept human goodness reduced to a bundle of nerves, though probably true.

[@fleamarketmutt_again]

Imagine a world when we reestablish a properly developed pineal gland

[@staven512]

I wonder if there is a correlation between wealth and isolation, isolation and lack of compassion, lack of compassion and depression?

[@horacechit5042]

In my case, it was poverty, leading to isolation, then depression, which led to more poverty.....Then a definite lack of compassion. From there, I managed to solve the problem by going insane and greasing up trouts, throwing them over my neighbor's fence. Also, there was a component of frustration with the level of stupidity all around me, as evidenced by the average comment left by a moron. I wonder if there is a correlation.

[@In0Agent]

Спасибо) очень полезно

[@devlinravert6217]

Is there anywhere I can find a transcript of this?

[@nanomicroart]

Well Done Bravo!

[@PantelisSarantos]

Not Even Close.

[@iamstevebent]

Can anyone guide me in the direction of the source of the 60%/40% element on gratification? That's a big assertion for me. Would love to know more. Thanks for your help!

[@funkypou]

It's easy to believe a supposed proof of what we feel. So if some scientist claims that his research has chown what many people feel about rich people (that they have low empathy), this is really important information that needs to be confirmed whith this kind of questions : Can you provide a link to this study ? Has it been peer reviewed ? Has it been replicated ? Is there a scientific consensus about this findings ?

[@LightOfKukulkan]

One thumbs down at this time. I suspect they may have an excess of monetary wealthy and a deficit of empathy...

[@AhimsaPorterSumchaiMD]

I am posting this in the aftermath of the political conventions!

[@xtsulunarphere3889]

becasue we sometimes the coop is bigger than one person

[@NondoPondo]

I think it has to be something people can relate to in order to activate the Vegas nerve. What would happen if they showed pictures to rich people if other rich people having trouble? My guess is this would activate the Vegas nerve. To say otherwise is to presume that they undergo a psychological change due to social status or they have a genetic abnormality. I'll bet the results very amongst those born wealthy verses those who became wealthy latter in life

[@saddestsad]

Doubt it.

[@atlastpeace]

faith in humanity +9000

[@jacynthacrawley8978]

I am trying to contrast a current petition regarding a homeless couple being thrown out into 9 degrees C although a "good Samaritan" couple had paid for 3 days fully in advance for them. The system will not let me put the link in, but you can find a petition with more than 100,000 signatures on Care Petitions author: Nathan Empsall target: Geoff Ballotti, CEO of the Wyndham Hotel Group (which owns Super 8, Ramada, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Travelodge, and more). Originally the hotel chain would not even refund the paid for nights - but 100,000 protests changed their minds on that! I do believe we are born to be kind - until convention and peer pressure shows us how to be greedy. If all else fails the petition is on my Facebook page

[@aracknidd]

Mutual suffering between people is always a good way to achieve empathy between people especially when that thing that is suffered is the same. I guess if you don't suffer from lack of money, you wont relate and give to those that do. Maybe, collective suffering leads us away from selfishness and sociopathology. Much of the great social wellfare reforms after the second world war in UK were a result, I believe, of this process. Collective suffering has the power to unite a people and improve the social order, but it can be radical and give a free hand to dictators, for example Germany after the first world war. Reflecting on the rise of the second world war, I would say., hurt people empathising with other hurt prople is not neccessarily a good thing if leads to aggression and more harm. Being equal in all things does seem to foster a sense of empathy and kindness., that is being of the same kind. So, to see all thing as being equal to yourself leads to a balanced consciousness, as opposed to following a path of power, separation, inequality and war. Colusion of empathy through unresolved issues is the one people do not normally see.

[@Taldraig]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Evolution_of_Cooperation I read this book by Robert Axelrod. Worth a look at the Wikipedia article.

[@the3sounds]

Anyone else smile at the irony that studies like these are very expensive to do, so will have required funding from... wealthy institutions?

[@moncef2466]

but how do you explain wars and killing going in the world since homo sapiens evolved?

[@nikzanzev2402]

Simple question that demands massive body to respond to... Some of this question was answered by this video, upper class people (the ones that start and perpetuate wars, also they tend to be the ones with more power. This prof has a good video on this channel on some of the biological components of how power affects the brain) show less empathy than lower class people. My guess would be that really powerful leaders actually have minuscule amounts of empathy. There is also the fact that about 1% of human population are truly sociopaths. These are people who do not care about other people. In wars, these are the people who shoot without compulsion. Much of military training is done in an attempt to train normal people the horrible acts needed in war. But... interestingly, the only 2 species (that i know of) that do wage wars are humans and our closest relatives, chimps... very weird indeed...

[@11DaltonB]

Mostly because this sense of community can extend to some people (your country) and not other people (enemies in war). So when those two communities want something different, people become willing to kill others to support their own community.

[@ImTheHulk66]

The power of an idea to change perspective. Vilification of out-group. Absolvement of responsibility. Pragmatism of consolidation of resources. The power of working as a large group can come as good and bad, of course both sides will believe they're doing the right thing, even if it is a post-hoc justification.

[@jennyhiggs3892]

Hmmm

[@meetontheledge1380]

Any waitress knows white collar types tip poorly, while truck drivers, carpenters, etc., tip as well as they possibly can.

[@Doomroar]

So in the end it doesn't matters, once you gain power and wealth the biological response to sympathize with others just stops working, and you become less empathetic.

[@georgeentertainment7185]

How ironic! All that struggle to just become like stool. When at "down there" (the bottom of the socio-economic spectrum), satisfaction comes from being empathetic. But, as you raise to the top, satisfaction source shifts to material belongings. Then, you shall face the real test. I do not practice any religion currently but I know a lot about most of them in the 5 continents. One of my favorite quotes is about a justified reason to become rich. It is in The Book of Mormon: "And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good-to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” (Jacob 2:19.) For Latter-Day Saints, the "valid" path is Christ->Pursue richness->Do good. Other alternatives, are not. I like some Buddhism principles (e.g. non-violence) a lot (which "cynically" I don't practice) but becoming rich is out of question. And, most religions find no real or practical purpose to becoming exceedingly rich. I guess, the other religions disencourage it because wealth can be dangerous. From the New Testament: "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." (1 Timothy 6:10) I cannot tell you what the "right" decision is, but it is better to take it after being "informed" about the consequences.

[@kimberlycastaneda3262]

Periadququctal Grey...is key

[@buje90]

the brain no, the heart mabye yes

[@toastcrumbs8576]

hello my fellow people

except for sociopaths :(

[@DarlaLathan]

Nice to know nice folk don't finish last--we perpetuate the species!

[@buddhaneosiddhananda8499]

My guru would say... "Truth without proof..." We don't need proof... use your own intuition... science only clutches at straws... analysis won't lead to truth... only religion...😇😇

[@user-px2ov7gi7l]

Then, answer me this how are psychopaths created, and why people murder, and rape innocent people? Why are some people unable to display sympathy, is it because they were neglected as a child, or is it because they or abused namely psychologically, physically, and or sexually. Do these factors contribute to the way psychopaths are created, or is it because of faulty genes? Please, answer these question in a polite and informative manner.

[@GreenWillow27]

One of the more popular developmental theories argues that personality disorders (of which anti-social personality disorder is the one most associated with crime and violence) have their roots in very early childhood. It doesn't even have to be horrible neglect or abuse, but a perception on the part of the child that they are not safe, that the world is a threatening/uncaring world and the personality is altered by our internalizing those largely pre-verbal experiences.

[@TheCreativeNuisance]

Deviation from the norm is part and parcel of all motion and movement. The Bell Curve demonstrates this in its most elemental form with say, the IQ test as one example: 'Average intelligence' is assigned a random value of 100 and 68% of the sample (+/- 15 points from the norm; or the 85-115 IQ cohort) is within 'one standard deviation' from the mean. Staying within the classic Bell Curve, 16% of the sample is more than one standard deviation below the mean (your list of 'deviants' and another 16% (Mother Theresa, etc.) are more compassionate. The 'real curve' for 'good and bad people' has many other variables to consider -- the nature vs. nurture debate and the times and circumstances in which we live to name two.

[@GreenWillow27]

TheCreativeNuisance Estimates put the percentage of people with antisocial P.D. at between 2.5 and 3.5 of the total population. Since the defining characteristic of ASPD is an inability to feel empathy for others, I guess we could put them at the far end of your Bell Curve. I'm just not sure that we can apply that model to personality traits, which are much more subjective and difficult to measure. They aren't really quantifiable like IQ points. But as far as nature vs. nurture, it's pretty well established that personality disorders have their roots in the nurture half of the equation, unlike disorders which are primarily biochemical like bipolar, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, etc.

[@GreenWillow27]

And yes, we have to take into account the social milieu of the people whose "goodness" we're trying to measure. There have been brutal societies which alongside our 21st century "First World" sensibilities would look like rampant sociopathy.

[@281cu6]

People have the ability to choose who they are. Some are evil because they make evil choices and harm others. People can change though.

[@sleepingwhale]

This widespread idea that any wealthy human being is somehow less human and lower than others is truly disgusting...

[@virginia4713]

sleepingwhale g

[@crystallized_w1899]

0:40

[@crystallized_w1899]

2:53

[@Morningstar-xz5bl]

Someone asked Jesus what the most important commandments were and he said, 1st commandment; Love God with all your heart with all your mind with all your soul. 2nd commandment Love your neighbour as yourself. Love is sacrifice, giving is it's nourishment.

[@korimcentire593]

[@xanderras7618]

the guy talking in the video: "poorer people give more" Bill Gates: *donates 100 million to coronavirus studies*

[@SEV595]

oh okay so we're getting all emotional about billionaires now

[@Kevin-cy2dr]

And gains billions ,dear friend billionaires dont care for you. That's how they be one.

[@281cu6]

The minute I saw the word Berkeley I knew this probably isn't credible.

[@proboaplayer162]

Who here from mountain Pointe

[@nithqueen]

we're pack animals, does this really surprise people?

[@donknotts650]

Am I the only one seeing the Vegas nerve is extended to the bum? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???

[@Cha4k]

It means others can feel your ass pain.

[@fear1356]

"Who is we"

[@xrenegade87xchannel88]

Right just like baboons are built to have table manners and not throw poop at others right?

[@horacechit5042]

I'm built to be an A-hole, and it's workin' pretty well so far! I just got an upgrade to a large order of fries for only 29 cents more, and I am given to understand that your momma' has a wooden leg with a kick-stand!

[@gargola7037]

Welp, there goes the Morality argument from the church.

[@moussaouiahmed]

oui culture de vies

[@jamk916]

Brain really cares about other people but not rich!? How can you quantify such a thing. This trait is simply called Narcissism, they are both poor and rich. And you know what most rich today were poor before they started. Smells bias here.

[@Chrisshao]

Compassion deficit from large amounts of wealth...? What if that upper class person went through the emotional obstacles that gave him his thick skin to be less emotional responsive.

[@charlsonsoo]

+Chris Shao (GetThisHere101) these experiments are done through large groups of people to avoid error in data. most of the scientific claims he makes are accurate for a population of people rather than an individual. no study can make claims about individual behavior because humans at the individual level are pretty distinct

[@Ravenelvenlady]

+Chris Shao (GetThisHere101) Perhaps so, and therefore more inhumane than those who can still identify with those who are still struggling. Having too much money removes one from seeing and being in touch with those who are still struggling and suffering materially. I am not surprised this would show up in the brain. I wonder how this would compare with those who are nouveau riche as opposed to people with generationally inherited wealth.

[@georgeentertainment7185]

Nouveau riche are more compassionate. It can be proved statistically.

[@Maram-mr4xg]

Islam tells that

[@mathewsterling842]

to b honest thats only half the story, humans are just as if not more evil than good...is this for kids?

[@janeclausing8018]

ha 69 dislikes

[@SCHaworth]

I dont agree - That were [evolved] to be kind. - nevertheless... it is an interesting thought.

[@yousefaqeel9575]

this video is .........;.......🍌

[@macgonzo]

19 rich people watched this video... How can you downvote this??

[@Boyetto-san]

Try telling this to US Republicans...

[@walterleiva4124]

Silly evolutionists, we were created!!

[@r3dd3v1lL]

Sorry, but if that were true there wouldn't be any wars or famine and yet there are.

[@earlaweese]

*I love how he doesn’t mention that telepathy and teleportation are both observable facts.*