Try This Anyone can be an altruist
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Dec 1, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Abigail Marsh, a psychology and neuroscience professor at Georgetown University, dives into the fascinating world of extreme altruism. She shares how a near-death experience spurred her research on why individuals are willing to give away kidneys to strangers. Marsh discusses key brain differences in altruists, such as a larger amygdala, and highlights personality traits like humility and unselfishness. Plus, she offers practical tips on cultivating altruism, emphasizing the importance of starting small and making concrete plans.
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Near-Death Rescue Sparked A Career
- Abigail Marsh nearly died when a stranger pulled her car to safety after she swerved to avoid a dog on the freeway.
- That split-second rescue inspired her lifelong study of altruism and why strangers help strangers.
Altruism Is Intentional Helping
- Altruism is defined as intentionally helping someone because you wanted to help them, not for other motives.
- Marsh focuses on extreme altruists, like stranger kidney donors, to reveal patterns beyond everyday kindness.
Amygdala Size Links To Empathic Sensitivity
- Extreme altruists show larger amygdalae and greater sensitivity to others' fear compared with typical people.
- This heightened responsiveness helps them recognize and react to people in distress.
