In the grand scheme of things, we humans are special. Our hyper-social nature is unique among all the species living on this planet, and may as well be the engine that helped us get this far.
Scientists believe that our capacity to empathise with and be altruistic towards unrelated individuals is what helped us develop traits that today are inherently human (morality, culture, technology, and complex cognition). When other species wasted time fighting for resources, we worked together to discover the secrets of our world.
But why are we like this? What has led us to be receptive to such an unusual level of cooperation? What are the mechanisms that trigger empathy and care toward other individuals?
These are all questions that can help ux understand how we see the world, but also discover hidden traits within ourselves. So let’s do some digging.
The Survival of the Fittest
If the first thing that comes to mind is a big great ape beating his chest in defiance, you’ve been tricked. Survival of the fittest doesn’t mean that the most aggressive individuals have more chances of survival. On the contrary, it’s the most cooperative who make it.
To survive, humans learned pretty fast that the “I’ll scratch your back, you scratch mine” model is their best option. In time, this has become the basis of social trust. We help others with the subconscious expectation that the favor will be returned, creating a safety net.
Our brains are deeply wired to reward activities like physical touch, breastfeeding, and social bonding by releasing oxytocine. This is why the current level of individualism and self-isolation, prevalent in Western societies, is harmful.
The Helper’s High
One way to cure the feeling of emptiness and loss of meaning is to find ways to help others. Whether through volunteering or helping out within your community, when you place yourself in the service of others, you get a burst of euphoria, similar to the rush from food or exercise.
This happens because helping others activates the brain’s reward center (the mesolimbic system). The response is so strong that many people stay in low-paying jobs with tough working conditions (healthcare, caregiving, teaching, etc.) just because of it. The feeling of contributing to another person’s well-being is extremely satisfying, which is why it was dubbed the helper’s high.
In reality, the feeling we get from being altruistic is delivered by a cocktail of neurochemicals (dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins) that the brain releases as a reward. Since these chemicals also help lower stress and deliver happiness, it’s easy to understand why we perceive it as a “high.”
How to Learn More
As science and technology evolve, we continue learning about the intricate systems that make us humans. It’s also a great way to understand what happens when empathy is not as strong, or how to recognize someone going through empathy burnout.
Here’s how you can learn more:
The Academic Path
If you want to take a deep dive into the human mind, a Master of Science in Psychology is the most recommended path. An MSc is typically a research-heavy degree that focuses on the why and how of human behavior through a scientific lens.
You’ll explore how early survival challenges shaped the way we behave today, including why we help others, work together, and sometimes act aggressively. You’ll also learn how the brain handles social information, how we recognize faces, and what’s happening in the brain when we feel empathy.
Online Courses
For an in-depth learning experience without committing to a two-year Master’s degree, professional certificates are a smart option. They’re especially useful for writers, HR professionals, and leaders who want advanced insights without going back to school full-time.
One highly respected online course is The Science of Happiness from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Greater Good Science Center. It uses research and real data to show how compassion and social connection directly influence personal well-being.
The Self-Learning Path
Books, YouTube videos from well-renowned scientists, and academic papers can help you understand your own wiring and improve immediate relationships. It’s a great way to learn about your triggers and how to overcome the less happy periods in your life.
Extra tip: “The Social Animal” by Elliot Aronson and “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman are two eye-opening books that everyone should read.
We Need a Bit of Self-Awareness
As a species, we have come a long way and achieved wonderful things. However, moving forward, we need to lean harder into understanding connection and compassion, especially in a time when division and isolation are becoming mainstream.
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