Science suggests we’re hardwired for altruism, but​ dо​ we need​ tо prioritize others constantly?

The familiar airline safety instruction—”put​ оn your own oxygen mask before helping others”—offers practical wisdom for emergencies. Yet​ іn our increasingly individualistic world, this advice risks being misinterpreted​ as blanket permission for selfishness.

The Myth of Human Selfishness

While evolutionary theories like “selfish genes” suggest humans are inherently self-interested, emerging research challenges this bleak view. The infamous “bystander effect”—stemming from the misreported 1964 Kitty Genovese case—has been debunked. Modern studies show:

• 90% of violent attacks see bystanders intervene
• Altruistic acts often occur reflexively, without deliberation
• Heroic behavior consistently emerges during crises like the Manchester bombing

The Evolutionary Advantage of Altruism

Psychology professor Steve Taylor explains our cooperative roots:

• Early humans thrived through tribal cooperation, not competition
• Contemporary hunter-gatherer societies maintain egalitarian resource-sharing
• Brain scans reveal altruists have more developed emotional processing regions

Born to Help

Developmental research shows:

• Toddlers as young as 14 months spontaneously help others
• Children cooperate without expectation of reward
• This intrinsic prosocial behavior suggests altruism is innate

The Wellbeing Benefits

Altruism isn’t just good for recipients—it benefits helpers through:

• Improved mental health and self-esteem
• 40% lower hypertension risk among regular volunteers
• Potential mortality risk reduction

The Reality of Moral Mediocrity

Philosopher Tony Milligan cautions against unrealistic expectations:

• Most people exist in “moral middle ground”
• Comparing ourselves to figures like Gandhi sets us up for failure
• Sustainable altruism develops gradually, like any skill

Cultural Influences on Altruism

Collectivist vs. individualist cultures shape different norms:

• Eastern societies emphasize group responsibility
• Western cultures permit more self-focus
• Pandemic mask-wearing reflected these cultural differences

Finding Balance

The key lies in recognizing:

• Our capacity for extraordinary selflessness
• The importance of self-care
• Cultural and situational factors that influence our choices

Ultimately, while we’re wired​ tо help others, sustainable altruism requires acknowledging our human limitations.​ As the oxygen mask principle reminds us—sometimes helping others starts with helping ourselves.