The Psychology Behind Humans Genuinely Caring for Others

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Do humans have the genuine capacity to care for each other?

Since time immemorial, the question of whether caring for others comes naturally has pressed the minds of the majority. The concepts of altruism and humanitarianism have been subjected to abject research regarding how they play in human nature. If rules and laws were stripped off, would chaos immediately ensue, or would people be candidly compassionate with each other?

Given how history is made, with wars shaping civilization due to people constantly contending with each other, is there any reason to believe that kindness has always been innate in people?

Is Empathy at the Root of Humanity?

It’s astonishing how in every situation that shows the worst of humanity, there is always a sliver of hope—a glimpse showing people genuinely caring for others, representing mercy amidst the ugly.

While the world is breaking apart due to countries constant warring, people are desperately holding it together through acts and expressions of compassion. And this is precisely why the concept of humanity’s innate kindness persists in spite of many contradictions.

In his book, author Greg Bruorton wonderfully illustrates this polarity as he captures both ends of a spectrum in a single tale. Despite primarily being a story of an abandoned baby, Baby Jane is also a story of bloodshed and war, with most of the story taking place in a military zone. At the core of his story, Greg Bruorton showcases humanity’s capacity to genuinely care for each other, as it follows a sergeant caring for an abandoned infant despite being at war.

Although a fictional tale, Baby Jane can still be considered a literary reflection of reality.

Its circumstances may not perfectly mirror what happens in the real world, but it captures the essence at the root of human existence. It displays the one trait that separates humanity from all else.

Caring for Others Makes People Unique—Is It Innate?

Compared to every other creature traversing the world, humans are the only ones who can develop civilization. This isn’t because they’re the only ones capable of building cities. Animals also have the capacity to practice relative concepts of co-living. It’s also not because humanity has learned to develop and practice cultures. Other species have passed on traditions within their troops.

Instead, one of the primary reasons humans alone have learned to coexist peacefully is because they’re endowed with empathy.

Caring for others is inherently wired in humans.

Beating within each is a heart that instinctively cares for their fellow beings, whether it’s through simple gestures of kindness or complex means of support. In fact, this trait has played a critical role in world development as it’s the key to strengthening societies and communities.

What Is the Psychology of Caring for Others?

People caring for others isn’t merely a discussion within the perspective of human nature. Instead, it also encompasses philosophical and biological components.

From the evolutionary perspective, humans are social animals prompted by their desire to belong and the survival benefits that consequently follow. At a time when rules are non-existent, humans only have themselves. How they associate with each other motivates their behaviors. It’s not about what’s legally right. Instead, people act based on the principle that if you hurt me, I’ll fight back.

Cooperation boosts survival.

Caring for others fosters trust and ensures people don’t deceive each other for personal benefits. Altruism avoids the disruption of a system that holds everything in a peaceful state. Hence, behaviors adhering to these standards are rewarded and naturally preferred.

However, regardless of people’s innate capacity to care, cultural and environmental influences can still factor into their behavior.

Caring Is Innate, But It’s Also Still A Choice

When we say that caring for others is innate, this doesn’t mean helping others will always be everyone’s preference. People are given the capacity to show up and be there for one another. They’re given the mobility and freedom to do so, which has been done since time immemorial. But this doesn’t automatically mean they will. While everyone is endowed with a beating heart filled with compassion, they can still prioritize other things and overlook what this tells them.

Caring for others may be deeply wired into humanity. However, their environment and the circumstances surrounding them can teach them to prioritize their needs above all else.

This leads to a distorted perception of what encompasses compassion—whether people should help the other or help themselves first. This is why genuinely caring for others has become something close to a miracle. When people choose to help and empathize rather than focus on their needs, they’re almost reigned heroes.

While this isn’t a universal dilemma, unlike when others instigate conflicts, it’s still something to ponder. When caring for others can be considered innately human, why do we still suffer?

Baby Jane is a book written to spotlight how altruism is still alive. If you need a good reminder about what humanity should stand for, grab a copy of it now!