Humanity's reputation is often negative due to war and destruction, but evidence suggests a decline in violence over history. Steven Pinker argues that society has become kinder. Research by Abigail Marsh indicates that most people are generous and hard-wired to care for others. The World Giving Index shows that two-thirds of the global population donated money in 2024. Altruistic individuals, like those who donate kidneys, exhibit strong responses to others' fear and act bravely, as demonstrated by Ahmed al-Ahmed's response to a shooter at Bondi Beach.
"According to the World Giving Index report, two-thirds of the world's population donated money in 2024. This statistic highlights a significant trend towards generosity among people globally."
"Marsh and fellow researchers have found that at the sight of something mildly scary, such as a snake, people feel an urge to flee. However, when they see a fearful expression on another person's face, their instinct is to approach."
"Exceptionally altruistic people, such as those who voluntarily donate kidneys to strangers, tend to have a stronger than average amygdala response to other people's fear, indicating a deep-seated capacity for empathy and action."
"When asked why he didn't pull the trigger on the shooter, Ahmed al-Ahmed explained that he chose restraint out of humility, while also trying to stop him from killing more innocent people."
Read at www.theguardian.com
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