How Did Altruism Evolve?

Stephanie Preston, a psychology professor and head of the Ecological Neuroscience Lab at the University of Michigan, discusses the fascinating evolution of altruism. She explores how empathy and decision-making have developed across species, challenging the notion of selfish survival. The podcast highlights the interplay between hormones and brain activity in caregiving, showcasing how heroic acts occur even in crisis. It also examines the societal impact of in-group biases on empathy and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in motivating altruistic actions, particularly for climate engagement.