Description
Book SynopsisStephanie D. Preston explores how and why we developed a surprisingly powerful drive to help the vulnerable. She argues that the neural and psychological mechanisms that evolved to safeguard offspring also motivate people to save strangers in need of immediate aid.
Trade ReviewStephanie Preston knows human and animal empathy as no other. By demonstrating that helping behavior is baked into the mammalian brain, her eye-opening and well-written book takes the puzzle out of the 'puzzle of altruism.' -- Frans de Waal, author of
Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a PrimatologistAn innovative, breakthrough body of work. Preston provides compelling evidence that our concern for others is biologically rooted in caregiving processes present throughout the animal kingdom. Insightful parallels drawn between human heroism and rodent caregiving speak to common underlying mechanisms. Written in an engaging style, the work is marked both by scientific rigor and creativity. Preston’s compassion for all beings shines through. -- Carolyn Zahn-Waxler, Honorary Fellow in the Department of Psychology and the Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin
The Altruistic Urge is a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of human behavior. Those who have a pessimistic view of human nature will be surprised to learn that people often go out of their way to rescue their fellow human beings from dangerous situations at great risk to themselves. Stephanie Preston explains the science behind this extreme ‘altruistic response’ with new ideas, compelling facts, and an engaging writing style. -- Dario Maestripieri, University of Chicago and author of
Macachiavellian Intelligence and
Games Primates PlayThis book does a terrific job of further dispelling the myth that human empathic experience and altruistic behavior, and their neurological substrates, are distinct from those of other animals. It also aptly weaves together neuroanatomy, psychology, and evolutionary theory, a necessary context that’s difficult for many in the scientific and lay communities to understand. -- Garet Lahvis, neuroscientist and author
We are a complex species…sometimes painfully selfish but also laudably giving. Ms. Preston’s book develops a plausible hypothesis to explain the extraordinary, heart-warming side of our dual personality. ‘The Altruistic Urge’ should be taken seriously. * The Wall Street Journal *
Preston has produced an interesting and well-documented theory of human altruistic behavior. * American Scientist *
One of 'five of the week’s best science picks.' * Nature *
A 'Favorite Book of 2022' selection. One of 'the most thought-provoking, practical, and inspirational science books of the year.' * Greater Good Magazine and Science Center *
Makes a strong and scientifically well-supported case. * Inside Story *
Table of ContentsPreface
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations for Neuroanatomic Regions, Neuropeptides, and Neurotransmitters
Introduction: The Curious Case of the Assiduous Dams
1. The Altruistic Response Model
2. Similarities Between Offspring Care and Altruism Across Species
3. Different Kinds of Altruism
4. What Is an Instinct?
5. The Neural Bases of Altruism
6. Characteristics of the Victim That Facilitate a Response
7. Characteristics of the Observer That Facilitate a Response
8. Comparing the Altruistic Response Model to Other Theories
Conclusion: Why Consider Altruistic Responding Now?
Notes
References
Index
