The 7 Try This: Anyone can be an altruist
Dec 24, 2025
Abigail Marsh, a Georgetown University professor known for her groundbreaking research on altruism, dives into the fascinating world of giving. She reveals why some people are driven to help strangers, even donating organs like kidneys. Marsh discusses key brain differences in altruists and highlights their personality traits, such as humility and positive views of others. With practical tips, she encourages everyone to cultivate altruism in their lives through small, enjoyable acts and planned volunteering, ultimately strengthening community bonds.
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Saved By A Stranger
- Abigail Marsh recounts a near-fatal car accident when a stranger pulled her car to safety on a freeway.
- That split-second act of help inspired her lifelong research into altruism.
Altruism As Intentional Habit
- Altruism is defined as intentional helping where the intent is to help another person.
- Abigail studies extreme altruists like stranger kidney donors to understand habitual helping.
Emotional Sensitivity Drives Action
- Extreme altruists show larger amygdala responses and better fear recognition for others' distress.
- This heightened sensitivity makes them more likely to act when they perceive someone in need.