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Altruism vs. self-preservation: what science tells us
Airline safety briefings advise passengers to secure their own oxygen masks before assisting others-a stark reminder that survival sometimes demands selfishness. Yet research challenges the notion that humans are inherently self-serving, revealing deep-rooted biological and psychological drives toward altruism.
The myth of the selfish human
For decades, theories like selfish genes and neo-Darwinism reinforced the idea that competition defines human nature. Steve Taylor, a psychology lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, argues this perspective oversimplifies human behavior. While self-preservation is instinctive, emerging studies suggest altruism is equally fundamental.
The infamous bystander effect, popularized after the 1964 murder of Kitty Genovese, was long cited as proof of human indifference. However, later investigations debunked claims that 38 witnesses ignored her attack. A 2007 study concluded the story became a "modern parable" distorting public perception of emergency intervention.
Altruism in action: from labs to crises
Contrary to the bystander myth, a 2020 analysis of CCTV footage from violent attacks in the UK, Netherlands, and South Africa found bystanders intervened in 90% of cases. Larger groups were more likely to act, not less.
Extreme altruism-like donating a kidney to a stranger-often appears instinctive. A 2014 study of Carnegie Hero Medal recipients found most described their life-saving actions as reflexive, not calculated. Neuroscientist Abigail Marsh's brain scans revealed these donors had larger right amygdalae, a region linked to emotional processing, suggesting heightened sensitivity to others' distress.
"There's a superficial level at which we operate selfishly, but that's at the level of our ego. Humans also have the capacity for impulsive altruism."
Steve Taylor, Leeds Beckett University
Evolutionary roots and cultural divides
Taylor traces altruism to humanity's hunter-gatherer past, where cooperation ensured survival. Anthropological studies of modern egalitarian tribes support this, showing resource-sharing as a cultural norm.
Yet cultural context shapes altruism's expression. Ching-Yu Huang, director of the Cambridge Alliance of Legal Psychology, notes collectivist societies (e.g., Taiwan) often prioritize group welfare over individual needs, while individualistic cultures (e.g., the US/UK) emphasize personal agency. During COVID-19, mask-wearing was more prevalent in collectivist societies, reflecting a duty to protect others.
Huang's research on child compliance found Taiwanese children exhibited higher "situational compliance"-following instructions despite reluctance-compared to peers in the UK, highlighting how culture molds behavior from an early age.
The limits of selflessness
While altruism benefits mental and physical health-volunteers show lower blood pressure and reduced mortality risk-experts caution against unrealistic expectations. Tony Milligan, a philosopher at King's College London, warns that overestimating one's moral capacity leads to guilt and burnout.
"The question isn't 'What would Buddha do?' but 'What am I capable of?' Altruism is a skill to develop incrementally, not a performance for admiration."
Tony Milligan, King's College London
Huang's personal journey illustrates this tension. Raised in Taiwan's collectivist culture, she initially suppressed her ambitions to avoid being labeled a "female tiger"-a term for assertive women. In the UK, she learned to balance self-advocacy with empathy, recognizing that cultural norms can both enable and constrain altruism.
A balanced approach
Science confirms altruism is hardwired, but context matters. From brain structure to cultural upbringing, myriad factors influence whether we prioritize others or ourselves. The key, researchers suggest, is self-awareness: acknowledging our "moral mediocrity" while striving to act with compassion-without sacrificing our own well-being.
As Taylor puts it: "Altruism is foolish to ignore, but so is neglecting your own needs."
