Thaindian News

Washington, Dec 9 (IANS) Social scientists have unearthed ample evidence to show that compassion is the key to human survival and progress.
Dacher Keltner, University of California-Berkeley (UC-B) psychologist and author of “Born to be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life”, and research associates are challenging the popular belief that human beings are wired to be selfish.

Humans beings are successful precisely because of their nurturing, altruistic and compassionate traits, said the researchers, calling it the “survival of the kindest”.

“Because of our very vulnerable offspring, the fundamental task for human survival and gene replication is to take care of others,” said Keltner.

Keltner’s team is looking into how the human capacity to care and cooperate is wired into particular regions of the brain and nervous system. One recent study found compelling evidence that many of us are genetically predisposed to be empathetic.

The study, led by UC-B graduate student Laura Saslow and Sarina Rodrigues of Oregon State University, found that people with a particular variation of oxytocin gene receptor are more adept at reading other’s emotional state and get less stressed by circumstances.

Informally known as the “cuddle hormone”, oxytocin is secreted into the bloodstream and the brain, where it promotes social interaction, nurturing and romantic love, among other functions.

“The tendency to be more empathetic may be influenced by a single gene,” Rodrigues said.

The larger question some UC-B researchers are asking is: “How do these traits ensure our survival and raise our status among our peers?”

One answer, according to UC-Berkeley sociologist Robb Willer is that the more generous we are, the more respect and influence we wield.

In a recent study, Willer and his team gave each of the participants a modest amount of cash and directed them to play games of varying complexity that would benefit the “public good,” said an UC-B release.

“The findings suggest that anyone who acts only in his or her narrow self-interest will be shunned, disrespected, even hated,” Willer said. “But those who behave generously with others are held in high esteem by their peers and thus rise in status.”