1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
"What can anyone give you greater than now?" -William Stafford
Monday, July 2, 2012
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1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
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126 comments:
Christie McCormick
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. As the radiolab program revealed . . .
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Emma Paulson
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
Radiolab provided compelling arguments to support this opinion. Aiding another person, not necessarily kindness, is natural for human beings. In the example of family that the program used, instinct and George Price's formula was referenced. Put very simply, the more genes you share with a certain person, the more willing you are to save or sacrifice something for that person. "Kindness," in reality, is a selfish act, done only to aid oneself. Price tried to disprove his discovery of no true selfless kindness by performing good acts, unintentionally further proving his realization. By performing good acts, he was feeding and improving his self image. "Kindness" such as this is seen everywhere today. People perform good acts or acts of charity to simply help themselves. By executing these deeds, people attempt to prove to themselves and others around them that they are, in fact, good people. This makes their actions not kindness, but an assurance of their own abilities and worth. Improving or reinforcing one's self image is integral to survival, therefore, kindness is simply an intrinsic trait used to promote survival.
This being said, I must make one point. This issue is not black and white. Kindness is not as straightforward as being hard-wired or a product of environment and circumstance. Nothing in life is as simple as that. Reasonings for both arguments bring up valid, irrefutable points. It is up to each individual to decide where they stand in regards to kindness, whether it be hard-wired, environment/circumstance, or any combination of the two.
Morgan Freeman
1. Kidness is hard-wired in our brains. Radiolab rationalized this by explaining that if a sibling was in danger of losing his/her life your instincts would tell you to save them. The instincts wouls tell you to do this because your sibling carrys 50% of your genes. This shows that you would rather save a sibling or other family member than a stranger. This explains why if a stranger needs help some people would just walk away, not because they don't care, their instincts tell them there is no point to save them. Its not any of your genes.
Jennifer Tennant
1. Kindness is a natural course of action programmed into our brain. Its a natural process. George price discovered that kindness is a natural process of other species as well. For example, the slugs that sacrifice 20% of their body to allow the remaining 80% to live on. This example was compared to a dandelion effect. Dandelions live a short life and then die so that the seeds can catch wind, plant themselves and have their own life to live.
Another solid example came from the many "heroes" that sacrificed their own lives to save another. The women who faced a raging bull to save another woman's life, a stranger to her, provided strong arguments to support my opinion. One thing she mentioned about her experience caught my ear. She says something along the lines of, "I wasn't really thinking about it. I didn't weight the consequences of my own life" Which leads me to believe kindness is hard-wired, its not developed.
Price's theory about kindness and sacrificing one's self suggested that such an act of kindness is actually an act of selfishness. Like he provided, a sibling has 50% of your own DNA. So sacrificing yourself for a sibling is an instinct hard-wired to save your own DNA.
Even those who are projected by society as monsters, killers, criminals, etc... They have kindness hard-wired as well. If you think about a murderer's motives, the most common are acts of revenge, self defense, or in defense of another. In all cases, that individual is acting upon their idea of what is right. Whether it be avenging a loved one, or bring someone to justice, their idea of kindness is only altered from our own.
People we see as unkind, i believe do in fact have a natural instinct of kindness. We might not see eye to eye with their idea of kindness, however their idea of kindness does exist.
Kama Remley
1. Kindess is hard-wired in our brains. I mainly believe this because in Radiolab they talked to many different people who showed acts of kindess towards people they had no relations to. All of them said that they didn't think, they just acted. When they saw another human being in real danger they immediately went to help them. They helped people that they didn't know because it was just instinct even if it meant endangering themselves.
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
This argument is proven through the heroes interviewed on the Radiolab station. Two of the heroes had said that they were not thinking of the consequences that could come from their actions, they just knew that they had to do something. Laura Shrake had witnessed a woman being mauled by a bull on the other side of an electric fence and immediately, ran over to the lady, not caring about getting shocked or killed. This was just one example of how our brains are hard-wired for kindness to promote survival. People don't always think through the consequences of an action, but some do think that they were "chosen" to help a person in need. One man on the show had believed that jumping in front of a train to save a mans life was a task personally given to him because of a past occurrence. There is no telling exactly what goes through a persons mind when risking their own life to save another, but it is apparent that somehow we were designed to be kind to others.
Haylee Hansen
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. The radiolab has a very powerful piece of evidence that illustrates this idea. They spoke of a situation where an individual must save a family member. It was scientifically proven that you are more apt to save the individual which shares the largest percent of genes with you. For example, you would have the instinct to save your sister before saving your cousin. You share half of the same DNA with your sister, but only one eighth with your cousin. It is 'hard-wired' in human brains to save as much of our own genes as we can. Another scenario that was brought up in the broadcast is one where instinct takes full grasp of the mind. When another human's life is in danger instinct takes over, almost completely. The brain does not think the situation completely through, rather it pushes you to do all you can to aid the person in need. When mothers save their children from drowning, running into the street, or other various fatal situations they do not think of their own safety. They are only concerned with the well being of their child. The instinct to be nice or to look out for those around you will take over without you consciously thinking about it. These facts point to the reality that, although it may seem like a learned trait, we are all hard-wired with kindness from birth.
Karina Ramos
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. As the Radiolab gives examples of kindness actions by people who are willing to risk their lives for others. First example that the broadcast gave us,the family dynamic.People are willing to risk their lives for sisters,brothers and then cousins because of the genes and also the you identify yourself with your siblings and any other person. The 50% part of yourself in your sister/brother is calling you.
In the show two out three couldn't answer the question of why did you save a stranger life, they couldn't answer because they went with their instant of survival. I believe that people do this heroic acts because in some sort of way,they have a special connection with the stranger who is in danger, maybe they can identify themselves with them, experiences. Kindness people have it in their hearts, brains and it whether they people decides to show it
Walker Sorlie
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. As the radiolab program revealed, kindness is hard-wired in our brains. The section about the heroes clearly showed that the heroes didn't stop to think about what they were doing. They just pushed ahead because saving a life was the most important thing. If people didn't do those kinds of things for each other, humans would eventually die out, so that instinct is one of survival.
In my life, I have seen this instinct firsthand many times. It might be something small, like opening the door for someone, or letting them go in front of you in a line, but they are all acts of kindness. I do those things without thinking, so it would only stand to reason that if someone was in trouble, a person would save them without thinking.
Erica Largent
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. Everything living has a basic concept of survival. People and animals will sacrifice themselves in order to keep their DNA alive. They will fight to stay alive, and to keep others alive. Humans are drawn to help other humans in a state of distress or danger, and this can be shown by an act of heroism. As the woman who saved a stranger from an angery bull, the man who saved the three teenagers from the flaming car, and the man who lept onto the tracks have claimed, there was not a moment of debating whether or not to help the person, it was simply instinct, and they knew that they had to do something. Even though those people were complete strangers, they feeling that they needed to help those in danger was clear. This shows me, that kindness is part of our brains, that it is something that everyone has. It may be less apparent in some, but that underlying instinct is still there. Kindness shows up in many different ways, but for many it is in the foreground of our personality. For others it is farther back, towards the horizon, but will appear when it is needed.
Will Mayer
2.Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
Radiolab provide good examples and stories to support my opinion. For example, when hero number three was asked why he jumped in front of a train to save a person he didn't know at all he said that the world prepared him for this. He was talking about circumstances. A couple of years before the incident a guy pulled a gun to his temple and fired but was not dead. it was a mis fire. He felt that god saved his life so he can help someone else in a time of need. I agree with Radiolab, when they said " if the circumstances are right any one of us can do it". But i think kindness is not in everyone. For example, when hero number two was saving those boys from that car accident he was the only person helping. None of his neighbors didn't help him save the boys. The neighbors didn't want to risk their lives saving the boys proving that kindness is only in some people.
Hannah Goldstein
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. However, I also believe that this is stronger in certain individuals than it is in others. As Radiolab demonstrated with the story of the man who saved the drunken teenagers from the car crash outside of his house, he was one of many in the area at the time, yet he was the only one who really did anything to help the kids out. What I found interesting about this radio segment was how closely they focused on what kindness did to benefit the individual performing the act. We as humans are naturally herd animals, and though we may have evolved to be very selfish on a less instinctual level, there's still something in our brain that tells us to protect our species above everything else.
1.Kindness is hardwired in our brains. This radiolab helped establish the fact that unlike what many people believe, selfishness and evil isn't the only thing in this world. Everyone is good natured somewhere inside them, but some much more than others. I think that it did not appear through evolution, but instead has always been inside us, even before we were very intelligent beings. For most people, they only would risk themselves for people who they are related to; people who carry their genes. This was shown in the first segment of the broadcast. It stated that people ar emore willing to endanger themselves for people who are closer in relation, and the willingness deprives as you branch farther out. This is because in our brains, we know that we want our genes to live on. It is a subconscious ideal, but it definitely is there, as it also is part of the urge to reproduce. Later into the lab, it talked about heros who completely risked their own lives, in the effort to save a stranger. I believe that everyone has this good natured, selflessness attribute inside them, but some peoples is more prominent. Although you can't determine what you would do until you get put into the situation.
Max Cook
1. Kindness is hardwired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. As revealed by the radiolab, when one fulfills the requirements of being a "hero", they do not stop and think of how their course of action will benefit themselves. In that moment, these individuals are acting on instinct, with their wellbeing backseat to the lives of others. The radiolab provides examples of this in the "Heroes" segment. Two out of the three people interviewed could not think of the reason behind their heroic deed. Their responses to what was going through their mind during the action had one major theme in common; something had to be done. This instinct telling people to give aid to a person in danger promotes survival because if no one ever stopped to help those in need, the human race would slowly but surely die out. With this said, not everybody reacts to the instinct. Radiolab supported this with the story of the man and the kids in the burning car. William Pennel was the only man who risked his life for the teenagers in the car. Even though there was a crowd of people who could have assisted him, he was the only one to actively respond to the instinct. The instinct may be more prominent in some more than others, but kindness does exist, and it exists in everyone.
By Duncan Ocel
1. Kindness is built in to our brain functions. "The Good Show" provided examples of people acting as "heroes." According to the heroes, they did not weigh their options before acting; they took the only clear course of action. They were driven by instinct to the aid of other people. Instinct is an integral part of animals' brains, and although some people (those that stood and watched the burning car) may override it with their higher brain functions, it exists in all peoples' brains. This instinct most likely evolved because people survive well in groups, and if a group's members are almost all dead, it cannot function. This "kindness" could then be attributed to evolution and deemed a survival tactic, which justifies its existence in the depths of our genome and its function in our brains.
Many people use their higher brain to override their instinct on a regular basis. They think "what is in it for me?" before acting and for that reason they often do not act. These people may disguise their natural goodness, but it does exist, as in everyone else.
Mercedes Mingus
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Not everybody has the ability to aid another human being when the time comes. Some will risk their own life to save another's, while the rest will stand idle. William Pennal (hero #2) explained how nobody else would help him save the teenagers from the car even though he asked them to. Hero #1 was accompanied by a neighbor who gave her a pipe to beat the bull, but the neighbor never put herself in danger to save the woman. Hero #3 was surrounded by people on the subway platform, yet he was the only one who tried to help the convulsing man. If kindness is supposedly hard-wired into our brains, then why didn't everyone rush to help the person in need? The answer is simple, they didn't have it in them. They hadn't experienced any circumstances that would have lead them to jump into harm's way in order to save another person. They hadn't been taught by parents or teachers that sacrifice should be like a knee-jerk reaction. The first two heros said that they didn't weigh their options before saving the other person, they just acted; however, other's told hero #2 that they couldn't even contemplate sacrificing themselves to save someone else, further proving that not everyone has kindness engraved in them. Hero #3 was the only one that thought before he saved the man on the subway platform. He remembered his brush with death from many years past, and realized that he had been prepared for that moment. He realized that he had been saved for the purpose of saving that man. This sudden burst of incomprehensible kindness wasn't natural, it was caused by his past experiences.
According to George Price's mathematical equation, true kindness is practically nonexistent. Even if you do sacrifice yourself to save someone else, there are still subconscious choices you make about who to save in order to pass along your "good" genes. Though he tried, Price was never able to disprove his mathematica theory on kindness. Price also mentioned that in every other species, the father mates and then leaves the mother to raise the young. Even then, the young soon leave the mother and search for a mate to repeat the process again. Why are humans different? It's because our brains are much more complex, thus allowing us to use influence from experiences and those around us to shape our decisions. Animals are taught to reproduce. That is their main goal before death. The 20% of the amoebas that sacrifice themselves are simply trying to reproduce and pass along their genes. Like George Price said, there is no such thing as true selflessness.
If kindness was as simple as black and white, then there would be no debate about it, but it is completely complex and virtually impossible to explain. No mathematical equation can clear the smoke, nor stories of heroic acts. The only way for someone to understand kindness as it applies to themselves, is to apply it to themselves. If it is natural to them, then they should see if their environment has made kindness more natural, or if it truly is natural to them. If it doesn't come smoothly to others, then they should explore the same options, because it doesn't really matter what the origin of kindness is, as long as it still exists in this world.
Luke Lewis
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance a quality that is found only in some individuals. In the radiolab program they talked about a person's intentions and the reasons why they do things. George Price was used as an example because he too wondered why people do the things they do. An example of a person's intentions I've encountered in life would be bullies. Bullies don't make fun of people because they are hard-wired to do so, but because they choose to. This also goes for humans expressing kindness, it's up to the person to decide given the situation. I agree with statement 2 because it describes our society and how people do good things because they want to. The people that do good things decide to for themselves.
Josh Clouston
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. Radiolab provides a perfect example of people going above and beyond "The Call of Duty" to save a complete stranger. The people in this segment didn't necessarily HAVE to do anything, however something in their head told them to go and act. These people didn't even take a second to stop and think what could happen to them, or what they get out of it, they just did what had to be done, and ultimately saved lives. I believe that kindness isn't necessarily hard-wired in our brains, but the compelling feeling to save someone in danger is. I remember reading about a soldier in Iran, who jumped on a live grenade to save the other members in his unit. He gave his life for the well-being of the others in the group. Just like how radio lab talked about the top 20% of the Amoeba giving their lives for the bottom 80% of the group, this soldier gave his life for the others without a second thought. He could of thought how much his family would miss him, and how he would never get to go on that vacation he always wanted to go on, but the instinct to do something for the good of the group was hardwired in his brain. If a single celled Amoeba without a brain can figure that out, surely a complex brain like ours can.
Megan O’Neil
1.Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. The radiolab program demonstrated many situations involving “heroes.” Many people can’t think of an explanation of necessarily why they did something to help someone else; it’s just an instinctual thing to do when you see someone in danger. Most people wouldn’t just walk away from someone on the side of the road dying or whatever their situation of struggle may be. Their instinct is to be kind and do everything they can to help that person survive. One man even left his own children to save a struggling stranger. Another man saved several drunken teenagers from a burning car when no one else came to their aid. Neither of them had to do that, but they did anyway. We would want the same thing done for us if we needed help, right? We as humans have a moral conscience written on our hearts. The moral law is universal. In the Bible in Romans 2:14-15 it says, “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, else defending them.” We were made to be kind. Kindness helps us thrive in this world. It brings us together, even if someone is a complete stranger, most people would still help that person no matter what. Kindness is instinctual and natural, some just don’t choose to pursue it.
Austin Schussler
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. Radiolab's "The Good Show" podcast provided multiple separate circumstances that I used to reach my conclusion. Prior to investigating and sharing my thoughts about the topic I would like to reach common grounds in which the way we are interpreting the word kindness or at least to the point so that you are able to see where I am coming from. I interpret the word kindness as being directed to an individual or group of individuals and either helping or supporting the individual(s) financially, emotionally, or mentally. Of course there are other circumstances that do apply but that is my basic understanding of the word kindness. After listening to the lengthy broadcast I found George Price's mathematical equation to be related in some sort to every single situation mentioned on the show. Price's theory stated that the more genes that you shared with an individual then the more willing you would be to risk or sacrifice your life for theirs. Now obviously there are many variables that apply to this theory such as how well you know the person but it's basic principles make sense. I found Georges reaction to the part of the theory that stated no individual could be completely selfless very ironic. Although George's intentions were completely selfless when he started to help the public, the only reason he was carrying out those actions was for his personal gratification by disproving his theory that man could not be completely selfish. George's attempt was actually just a proof of what he feared and could not believe was true, that humanity truly is selfish and that all acts of kindness are done in the interest of themselves. The prompt also talks about acts of kindness promote our survival. I agree with this in the sense of a race as well as making sure our genes survive. Yet with all this said, both prompts can be supported with valid arguments and there are variables that play into each.
Lindsey Brodeck
1. Kindness is hardwired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival, but at the same time this “altruistic gene” is expressed stronger in some individuals than others, just as some people have bluer eyes or longer legs. This gene has been engineered purely for survival purposes, but that does not mean that it has been perfected. In humans, this gene can be expressed too strongly, so that the individual performing the altruistic task is not benefited in any way, as in cases where an individual saves a complete stranger’s life. Radiolab gave examples of this extreme altruism in the “Call of Duty” segment which explored individuals who performed altruistic tasks selflessly, which is not the best version of the altruistic gene.
Better versions of the altruistic gene are found in other organisms, not humans. As the Radiolab program explained, a certain species of amoeba, when threatened, release a chemical that makes all of the other surrounding amoebas release the same signal and subsequently all group together into a giant slug. The top 20 percent of this slug form a stalk and die, sacrificing themselves so the remaining 80 percent can drift away and survive. On the surface, this seems purely altruistic, but really this act is sacrificing a small percentage for the population as a whole to survive, which is a tainted altruism, selfishness in disguise. Similarly, in an article I read last year, worker bees exhibit this form of tainted altruism, giving their lives so the queen can reproduce, therefore ensuring the survival of the population. In both of these examples, individuals sacrifice themselves so the greatest percentage of their own population (which carries an almost exact copy of their genes) can survive.
Kindness is hardwired into the brains of every organism, solely to promote survival. In humans, this altruistic gene can sometimes be expressed too strongly, negatively affecting the individual who performed the altruistic task. In other organisms such as the amoeba and worker bee, this gene has been better engineered, creating seemingly altruistic acts which are really disguised selfishness, ensuring, above all else, the survival of the own organism’s population.
Declan Watts
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals. I believe this because, simply put, not all people are kind. It sounds like such a cynical thing to say, but I believe it's true. Kindness is definitely not a trait that every person possesses, but is a rare trait that are only found in the best of human beings. Although it's not specifically personal to me considering loads of others have done it, but helping in a soup kitchen, or doing other volunteer work, is such a great example of kindness. Not all people think to do something like that, and many people wouldn't be caught dead helping the less fortunate, but for other people it is just something they have fit into their lives. And those people don't do it because they feel they have to, but because it feels good. On the broad spectrum of kindness, these people could be even considered hero's for the volunteer work they do. There are many different definitions of a hero, though. In my opinion, Hero #2 has evolved into a extraordinary human being that defies Darwin's theory in such a substantial way. Pulling three drunk teenagers from a burning heap of metal does not, in any way, abide by the "survival of the fittest" law. Not all human beings have the will power to behave in such a way. Risking their life to save another is in no way hardwired into our brains. Although, while this man was being interviewed, I felt some of the questions he was asked were very unfair."What do you think is the difference between you and the other people who just stood by?" Asking this question would be like asking someone if they knew the meaning of life. Everyone would have a different answer in their minds, but nearly none of those people would answer it aloud, and most others wouldn't even begin to find an answer. This is because kindness, or in this specific example selflessness, is defined differently by nearly everyone. Some believe there are different extents of kindness, that kindness can be expressed in different ways. I believe that because of this, kindness is not something that is hard-wired in, but something that you learn over time through experience and growing up.
Amelia Cassidy
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
Radiolab’s “The Good Show” supplied detailed evidence that supports this statement. Charles Darwin’s theory claims that only the fittest will survive. However, he did not take into account the major role that kindness and generosity play in life. Kindness is in fact hard-wired into our brains, and while many people show great amounts of it, there are some that choose not to display it. When they do display it, their affections are shown only to certain people. Just because the rest of us don’t see it doesn’t mean that it is not there. We all like to think that we can and will give up our own lives to save someone else but, really, only a handful of people will have to guts to actually do it. When it does happen, all we can think about is ‘Why?’ Normally, I would respond ‘Why not?’ but I find that it all leads back to survival. In a world where death is inevitable, we would still like to believe that we can live forever. While this physically isn’t possible, immortality can be accomplished through other means. The actions we take, those acts of kindness and positive values, will be forever remembered and cherished. They are things we can learn from and teach to the generations to come. The littlest things we say and do can sometimes make the biggest difference. Surviving isn’t just an individual aspiration but something we all would like to achieve. Somewhere in the back of our minds we come to realize this when our species is threatened. We look out for one another to ensure our safety and endurance. Darwin’s theory doesn’t talk about the survival of the fit individual, but the survival and longevity of an entire species. Kindness and generosity can help us attain that ultimate goal. For example, as Radiolab tells us, Lora Shrake voluntarily climbed over an electric fence, risking her own life to save another woman who was being attacked by a fairly large bull. Why? Survival. Kindness. These heroes claim they don’t know why they did what they did but the truth of the matter is that it’s the right thing to do. Growing up, our parents have taught us to always be kind and make the appropriate choices. Until now I didn’t fully grasp what they meant… In the end I have come to the conclusion that kindness is survival. Without it, we simply wouldn’t be able to function properly. The roots of survival are built on altruism and everything it has to offer.
Carly Fristoe
1. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. The radiolab talked about stories of survival and choices made in tough situations. I believe in the first statement because even in a person doesn't remember making the decision to jump in front of a moving train and save a person's life, subconsciously, the brain told the body to move its legs and protect that person. The man that jumped in front of that train said he was, "saved from gunpoint for a purpose, and the purpose was to save that man's life." I was once in a situation where a man was talking extremely rude to a boy who looked as if he wanted to seriously hurt him for what he was saying. Instead of acting on his emotions at that point, the boy probably subconsciously remembered his parents telling him, "Don't fight" or, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." The boy calmly said to go away and didn't get anymore involved than that. In other words even if we don't necessarily think I should be nice, or I should go save that person, in certain people's minds they subconsciously remembered a past event that triggered a positive reaction.
Kira Davis
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
People often say that the world is a cruel place and that finding someone that is completely selfless and willing to help another whatever the cost is all but impossible. But what is not usually understood is that selfless actions happen every day and kind people are everywhere. It's merely a matter of not looking hard enough for these kinds of people. It's true that kindness is embedded into the deepest hardwiring of our thought structure. Not so much hardwired into the brain as it is into the soul, so to speak. One example from Radiolab's "The Good Show" that discussed the topic of the existence of kindness, was the peculiar nature of one of the planet's most simple creatures. This tiny species of amoeba, called Dictyostelium discoideum shows kindness in the form of sacrifice. When the soil they live in will not sustain the sustenance needed to survive, the amoeba's form a slug-like being and travel to a place where it's windy. There, part of the slug will form a stem that the other part will climb up and be taken up by the wind and brought to more fruitful lands. The part that formed the stem will most certainly die. There is no particular reason that the amoebas that formed the stem had to die. But they sacrificed themselves so that the majority could live and reproduce. The basics of Darwinism state that in order to survive, one must look out for one's own self. And yet, for species to thrive, the addition of kindness must be brought forth in order to help the species. If all living things weren't born with kindness, then the world would be ruthless and cruel. No experience would ever contain kindness if it wasn't there since the beginning of time itself. Without the essence of selflessness in our beings, every creature would be homicidal and barbaric. Kindness may not be essential to the survival of the individual, but it most certainly is imperative to the survival of a species.
Of course, some people are physically unable to show kindness. These are people who have either been so badly broken from their past that they have blocked out that natural instinct or that were born with an anomaly that repressed it from birth. These are the types of people that may turn into serial killers or people who just want to watch the world die. However, these people, exempt from the ones whose genes may have mutated before birth, were born with kindness. They have just lost it somewhere along the way.
While everyone is born with kindness, some just show it more than others. People like Lora Shrake who saved a woman from a rampaging bull after climbing over an electric fence or William Pennell who saved three drunk teenagers from a burning car crash are prime examples of people with extraordinary amounts of kindness. Actions such as those that these people took are death defying and completely against the traditional Darwinist theory. Pennell even stated that he would "do what any normal person would do". Analyzing this quote with the background of people being hardwired with kindness means that any one person could have been William Pennell. Anyone could have saved those teens from the wreck. He was just the one that did it.
I have watched a few documentaries on war. War, is the epitome of anti-kindness. People go to war and they kill each other. One documentary in particular, The Pacific, is about a group of young men in World War II that face extraordinary hardships. They see horrifying things. And yet, while some soldiers with weak constitutions would have their faith in humanity, their kindness, ripped from their souls, these people clung to their trust in the goodness of others. If people can experience the atrocities that come with war and still believe that humans are deep down a decent species, then I can't think of any better example of kindness than that.
Abbey Tozer
1. Kindess is hard-wired in our brains, as radiolab revealed someone genetically related to another would have more will to save that person from danger, than someone who is a complete stranger. I believe that this is a true and realtable statement. I also believe that most people are engineered this way. It makes sense that someone with 50% of the same genetic makeup would have more drive, because they want their genes to 'live on'. In the second segment of the radiolab, three 'heroes' were interviewed. These three people risked their own lives to save complete strangers. Two out of the three said they didnt remember what they were even thinking before they jumped in to save them, that all they had on their mind was the fact that something needed to be done. Kindness shows differently in different people. I think all people have kind in them, but some maybe more so than others. It didn't take much for the heroes to show their kindess, where for I'm guessing most people, it'd take more than a sranger in harms way to get them to risk their lives.
Abbey Tozer
1. Kindess is hard-wired in our brains, As the radiolab revealed everyone has some amount of kindness in them, some more so than other. In the first segment genetics were discussed and how people genetically related to others were more prone to risking their lives to save someone realted to them than a complete stranger. I believe that this ia a realistic and relatable statement considering your siblings have 50% of the same genetic makeup you do. It was also stated that relatives would save realtives faster than strangers because they technically want their genes to 'live'. As the radiolab went on three heroes were interviewed about their heroic acts. Two out of the three said they had no explanation as to what they were thinking at the time, other than someone needed to help and nothing was going to be done if they weren't going to do it. I believe that everyone has kindess in them, some just more so than others. And sometimes it takes more for people to show their kindess than it does for others, but that has to do with the way each of us are, and how each of our different brains work, think and act.
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival...
Radiolab definetly touched upon the natural animal instincts to help others. An example would be the instinct to help others if it means endangering our selves, and our brother sister half connection with genes and our willingness to help them if they are in need, rather than a starnger in need.
2. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
Radiolab provided multiple facts to support this opinion. For most everyone, coming to someone’s rescue, especially in a life or death situation, is not necessarily thought of being out of kindness, but is a natural instinct for them. The three heroic stories that were told were a result of natural instinct. The heroes didn’t think about the end result, although hero #3 did think about why he was “chosen” to save the man who had fallen into the subway track bed, but only after he had already jumped into action. He realized that his earlier glimpse of death from years past was preparing him for this moment. His hard-wired kindness instinct made him leave his two young daughters and save a strangers life. All he thought of was that he was put in this situation for a reason, and he needed to at least try to fulfill his action to save the man’s life. This proves that the brain does not take the time to think about George Price’s formula of whether or not the person they are about to save has any of their genes. Even though it makes sense that someone is more willing to risk their life to save a relative’s, in most cases, this is not thought about when a stranger is in need of help. It is not up to the individual to choose whether they are going to risk their life, but they can think about why they were meant to take action after they do take action.
Liz Clark
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
There were several points made on Radiolab that support that kindess is indeed a biological imperative that promotes survival. Two of the three heroes interviewed claimed that they didn't think about the consequences of what would happen to themselves when aiding others, instead, they just acted. The fact that these heroes didn't stop to think about what would happen to themselves shows that kindness must be hard-wired into our brains. Another supporting example, was the fact that our insticts tell us to save a sibling because they contain fifty percent of our own genes, over a cousin who only contains an eighth of our own genes. The third heroe who said he was 'prepared to save a life' has obviously developed some kindness on top of his instictual kindness due to a traumatic event he had faced previously in his own life. Kindness can be devolped over time, but it is already programmed into our brains. There are different levels of this kindness amongst people, some are more apt to save lives and endanger themselves, while others maybe wouldn't. I believe we all feel a certain feeling to help our family or even strangers in danger because something inside of us compels us to. Our survival is based off of true altruism, although some of us demonstrate this truth more strongly than others do.
Cole Burford
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. Radiolab gave many great examples supporting this statement. With the instinct example, as well as George Price's formula that explains the idea, basically the idea is that instinct evolved from mathematics. Dealing with the idea that the more immediate the family member, the more genes you share with that person, and so therefore naturally they are more important to you than a less immediate family member. As Carl Zimmer directly put it, your sister has 50% of your genes whereas your cousin has only 1/8 of your genes, so therefore instinct draws you to protect your sister or immediate family, rather than your extended family. Again another strong example relating to single-celled organisms, rather than human beings, was the amoeba example. Generally an amoeba stays on its own, however in hard times the amoeba sends out a chemical signal that draws other amoebas close. They then combine and create a slug and reach a point where the top 20% of the slug sacrifice themselves by creating a stalk that the latter 80% can climb the stalk and be carried away to a more fruitful place. Personally I believe that kindness is a natural part of human nature. Everyone has kindness inside them, whether or not they know it. Some people hide all signs of kindness or niceness, but it still plays on their conscience. In my life I have seen this time and time again. From simple things like picking up an item someone has dropped to things as extreme as someone giving CPR to a complete stranger on a forest trail for hours until more help arrives. Kindness is part of being human, or being a living organism for that matter.
Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a bioglogical imperative that promotes survival. Radiolab encourages this opinion with the example of George Price. George discovers that humans and species are both naturally kind. Slugs sacrafice the top 20% of their bodies to make stalk for the remaining 80%. The remaining 80% gets to live because of the sacrafice. George believed that all acts of kindness are actually acts of selfishness. Due to siblings being 50% of your DNA, it is instinct to sacrafice yourself for your siblings to save your own DNA. George further tested his theory by donating to the poor, which boosted his own self esteem and the opions of others about him- increasingly proving his theory of selfish kindness.
One of the reasons kindness is hard-wired into our brains, is because todays stories of our valient heroes all have something in common. The heroes who saved someone from a burning car or a speeding train, didn't think about the consequences. It was intstinct that they acted on. It was already there.
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Radiolab showed not only that people stood motionless on the side, backing up the idea that not everyone has the ability to be kind and save a life; but also specifically mentioned the fact that kindness would be given only if the perfect circumstances were put forth. For example, if someone was hitch hiking most people would be unkind and pass them by because of the circumstance and the experience they have with that specific situation. If kindness was hard-wired into our brains everyone would be willing to stop and drive the random stranger anywhere at their own risk, but that is not the case. In the radiolab, the three heroes they talked about faced different circumstances and lives were at risk, and even though they showed goodness towards these strangers there were people around that could have done the same thing or helped, but they didn't. The man who saved the three teenagers had neighbors, so why didn't they risk their lives? If kindness was wired into our brains to promote life the people just standing by and watching would not have been standing by. One final point I must make is that no one is born kind. It must be learned from experience as you grow. Kids are selfish. They bully others, don't share their toys, and won't know whats right or wrong until they are taught. Kindness is not something that is hard wired into our brains, but something you get from experience and give when the right circumstance reveals itself.
Jane Lyons
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
Radiolab discusses on the “The Good Show” weather kindness is something that is hard-wired into your brain, or, if it is something that only gifted humans can obtained. Radiolab view this question from both standing points, making it difficult to choose one over the other. In my opinion, this isn’t a black and white situation. Kindness is in everyone in some way; but weather you choose to use your kindness is a different case. An example of this is Wesley Autrey, the man who dove into the subway to save a complete stranger. Autrey had his two daughters standing by his side, but risked his life for this man. Many other people were standing by that could have helped the man who had fallen but no one had the kindness and goodness that Autrey had with in them to save the strangers life. My personal opinion is something that you have to learn and develop over time. For an example, younger kids learn how to be kind and nice towards others and as they mature throughout life they can become more kind; however, kindness is a character trait that someone wants to become. Kindness is a character trait that you develop and gain over time. No one is born kind. You learn kindness as you grow and mature throughout life.
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. The examples given by the Radiolab episode provides excellent evidence to this side of the argument. One example of this is the sacrifices by the single celled ameba. In order to protect and allow the others of their kind survive, the ameba joins with others of its kind. This newly formed organism allows part of itself to die in order for the other part to survive. Another example given in the podcast is the formula created by George Price. This formula suggests that in order for an organisms genes to pass on, the organism will be willing to sacrifice itself in order for those who share some form of its genes to survive. The podcast uses the example of someone saving their sibling, or 50% of their genes. If they were to die in the process, 50% of their genes would still be in the gene pool, following Darwin's idea of survival of the fittest. This suggests that kindness is an instinct that is traced back to even the smallest of organisms in order to allow the survival of those who are in the same species.
Brenna Burk
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
This statement sounds most reasonable to me, and it was well supported by examples from Radiolab. George Price, the unique man with many different intentions, had some great points about human kindness and selflessness. He figured from the cousin/sibling scenario that you are most likely to save someone you love over somebody who is a stranger or distantly related to you. Since your genes are most similar to theirs, you have more motivation to protect them. This would prove that survival is being promoted, because it seems to make more sense for your own family to thrive rather than another individual who doesn't mean as much to you. His equation did make a point to me, though; if human kindness can be predicted from an equation, then perhaps selfishness is always a factor of our kindness because the situation derives some self recognition. Although selfishness is included, it may have to be, considering your own survival contributes to promoting overall survival. Although being selfish is a factor, I believe every human being has roots of kindness and when it comes down to it, most would understand that kindness was the ultimate route of success.
Another point proving example is from a selfless woman, Laura Shrake, who saved another woman being attacked by a bull. She put her own life at risk by defending the woman, showing that her natural instict was to protect the being of her kind. Not only did Radiolab prove to me the accurate meaning of this statement, but my personal knowledge and experience as well. Personally, I believe treating others with kindness is mainly important because it is the way everyone prefers to be treated; it relates back to the golden rule in my opinion. I believe that although some show it more than others, kindness is hardwired into each of us, showing itself most in instinctive situations.
Jillian Krueger
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is only found in some individuals.
The radiolab program attested to this statement in the story of George Price. He was completely self centered for so much of his life that an experience or circumstance is what gave him a new perspective. He was not originally altruistic, it was not instinctual for him. Goodness or kindness exists to some degree in every individual because of experiences in life. True kindness, however, is a product of love being received and expressed. Survival instincts tell the individual to focus on him/herself. Kindness is a quality that must be cultivated through learning from the warmth of others or life changing experiences that change an individuals' outlook on people. The heroic acts discussed in the show are a different type of kindness. Risking one's life for another human being is an extraordinary act of kindness that cannot be fully described. It is the truest form of selflessness that is product of a feeling of obligation or perhaps blind panic. Some of the heroes in the program talked about a thought during that moment that something simply had to be done. Also in the program it discusses numbers of good people versus this hostile world. There are enough people in this world that have a basic sense of morality to be the majority. Stories like the heroic acts in the program are what keep humans aware that there are others out there like them who are genuine and kind and preserve the morality in the world. This radiolab program has been very inspirational.
Malia Moreland
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is only found in some individuals. As radiolab had showed, each person that had risked their own lives to save others showed significant acts of kindness due to the circumstances of the situation at which they were introduced to. Walter, the man who saved a stranger from a moving subway didn't plan on saving that mans life. He said in the broadcast that life had prepared him for this moment through different circumstances and experiences that he had been put through. That being said, kindness isn't just something we all are acquired to the minute we experience life, it's something were taught as we go through different stages and phases in our life. I know personally kindness isn't something I've always known. In fact I may still not have it down, but when I'm put into situations where it really comes down to it; finding money on the floor or maybe even just apologizing for something, I am able to show kindness because I am at an old enough age where I've learned throughout my life how to be kind. Kindness is something that every person has in them and some people are able to be kinder than others due to what they've experienced or seen. There are selfish people in this world that have yet to endure a situation that will bring out kindness in them, it just hasn't happened for them yet. Through life each person on this earth will experience different situations and undergo several circumstances that teach them kindness and selflessness.
Brendan Kent
1. Kindness is hard-wired into our brains. It is hard-wired for the same essential purpose that the instincts to survive, reproduce and care for offspring are. This purpose is what has driven evolution since the beginning of life, and it is the purpose to preserve and pass on genes. This concept was first brought to the mainstream by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his book, The Selfish Gene. The core argument of The Selfish Gene supports the concept of gene-centered evolution. In gene-centered evolution, evolution occurs as a result of competing genes, with the effectiveness of the phenotypes they produce determining their fitness. This model for evolution better explains altruism than the traditional, ‘survival of the individual’ model. We can now use it to explain examples of altruism: A species of amoeba, when living conditions are bad, sends out a chemical signal that is amplified and received by all members of the population. The amoebas then form a slug by sticking together and move to a windy, sunny area. At this point, the 20% of amoebas that are at the top of the slug create a tall stock, dying in the process. The remaining 80% are then able to climb the stock, create an orb, and use the winds to carry themselves to a more livable location. The gene-centered theory of evolution, when applied here, makes perfect sense. If the ultimate goal is to pass on genes, it makes no difference who does the passing on. Assuming that these amoebas have virtually identical genomes because they carry out binary fission (a form of asexual reproduction), it makes much more sense from a gene’s point of view to lose 20% and save 80%, than to risk losing the entire population. Another example of altruism is represented by bees. When a bee stings, it almost always will die, however, the sacrifice of one bee is made to protect the other bees, and most importantly, their shared genes. Bees will also remove themselves from the colony, essentially committing suicide, if they contract a contagious disease, once again, protecting the genes that are shared by the colony. The purpose to preserve and pass on genes is one that can explain the important instincts that drive life on earth, including kindness. Kindness protects genes, whether or not we like to think of it in that sense, and it is therefore an evolutionary adaptation that has helped life on earth become as advanced as it has.
Kaitlyn Hickmann
2. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. The Good Show pointed out that tit for tat is the best means of survival, as demonstrated by soldiers on the western front who stopped shooting each other long enough to come together and sing Christmas Carols. This peace went on for as long as a week, and the only reason it ended was the order from a commander. They stopped shooting because it was easier and simpler to survive that way, and only started again to ensure their survival. Simply put, using tit for tat, they could survive, sometimes involving kindness and sometimes not. However, one could argue they stopped shooting in the first place due to previous experiences in their life that molded them to desire peace, and started again due to fear from given circumstances with the commander. Truthfully, the kindness hard-wired in our brains works in harmony with our circumstances, and asking which is true is like asking if the chicken or the egg came first. It's an infinite circle. For example, if my parents tell me to be kind to my brother, I'll do so, my kindness shaped by the experience of them telling me to do so. When I'm kind to him, he'll be kind in return, promoting both of our prosperity in our family. If instead, I hit him, I'll face the consequences of being deserted by him and punished by my parents, leaving me alone, vulnerable, and sad. My kindness towards others, in the end, circulates to become kindness from others towards me, so the experiences that taught me to be kind truly do help me to survive.
Lyndsey Knighten
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is only found in some individuals. In the second segment, Radiolab interviewed three people that have been acknowledged for their heroic acts in extreme levels of danger. During the interviews, two out of three people did not know why they acted upon the life threatening situations. They knew that something needed to be done, and therefor, reacted and responded. The other person interviewed knew exactly why he had saved a strangers life. The individual heard a voice that told him he could save the guy, and that he had felt God spared his life, and in return was put in that certain situation because he was the chosen one. The man believes that the world prepares every person for the unknown. Selfless people risked their lives without the feeling of obligation to save others in need. These herioc acts show the highest from of selflessness.
I do believe everyone has kindess in them, but that kindess greatly varies. Some people's kindness is on display for everyone to see, while others kindness is hidden. Risking your life for someone else is truly courageous and remarkably brave. It takes a higher level of instinct and generosity for an individual to perform such an act. I beleive that there are geniune humans and animals who are striving to keep morality alive and present.
If individuals allow themselves to learn and embrace life changing experiences, it can change their outlook on kindness and selflessness. Practicing kindness is a worthy cause that betters humans and creates more love. Giving and receiving is what creates true kindness.
Jack Pappas
Kindness is hard-wired into our brains, a bioglogical imperative that promotes survival. I believe this statement is true based on personal expierences as well as Radiolab discussions. One of Radiolabs first topics on kindness is the ameba. The ameba is a single celled organism that will sacrifice themselves in order to protect the majority of the ameba. This act of kindness is not questioned by the ameba and is simply there way of life. Another point proved by Radiolab is the mathmatical formula by George Price. His idea is that you will be feel more impelled to protect or save your sister or brother then your cousin. This is because by saving your cousin you are protecting 50% of your genes compared to 1/8 of your genes when saving a cousin. This does not mean that humans will not do random acts of kindness to save a random human being. Walter Walkosky is the executive director and secretary of the Carnary Hero fund. The hero fund is a private fund founded by Aurthor Carnary in 2004. They recognize heroism throughout the U.S. and Canada. The first hero brought up on Radiolab is Laura Shrake who helped a woman being mauled by a bull. She climbed through a electical fence and was given a pipe by a nieghbor and hit the bull multiple times. Radiolab talks about two other heroes. This shows that kindness is hard-wired in our brain and is much like a flight or fight expierence. A personal expeirence of mine that proves my point was when I was at a waterfall and there was a young boy who was stuck on a rock overlooking the waterfall. He was too scared to move until a random man put is own life on the line to move the boy to safety. Even the worst of people have a sense of kindess it just comes down to there way of life and weather they want to show it. Based on all these proven facts it shows that kindness is a daily part of life and is hardwired into our brains to promote survival.
Keanan Naegele
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Radio lab asked three people, who had been deemed heroes by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, why they had put their lives on the line to save another persons. Two out of the three people had a reason, other than the person in need of help may die, for why they did so. The guy who saved three drunk teenagers from a burning car said that he had a 16 your old daughter and hoped that if she was in the same situation someone would do the same for her. The construction worker who hopped on top of the man who was having a seizer and fell in front of a subway said that he felt like it was his duty because of an event that had happened to him earlier in life. He was held at gun point, and was spared when the gun misfired. He believed that God had saved him because he was meant to save someone else. Both of these stories show that experience and circumstance is what caused them to save a life. Another thing that proves that kindness is a product of experience and circumstance is that every day you run into situations where you can show someone kindness. If one day you decide you do something kind to someone, they might also do something kind for you. After that experience you might decide that being kind is the best thing to do. One more thing that shows this is that when you are growing up, your parents teach you values that you will carry with you. If you experience you parents teaching you to be kind, you are likely going to act on those teachings.
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains.
The big question... Why does anybody help anybody. I believe kindness is in fact hard-wired into our brains, and while many people show great amounts of it, there are others who choose not to display it at all. One example of kindness is the sacrifices by the single celled ameba. In order to protect and allow the others of their kind to survive, the ameba joins with others of its kind. This newly formed organism allows part of itself to die in order for the other part of it to survive. The top 20 percent sacrificed itself for the bottom 80 percent. Another example given in the podcast is the formula created by George Price. This formula suggests that in order for an organisms genes to pass on, the organism must and will be willing to sacrifice itself in order for those who share some form of its genes to survive.The example given in the podcast of someone saving their sibling life, or 50% of their genes. If they were to die in the process, 50% of their genes would still be in the gene pool, following Darwin's idea of survival of the fittest. All these suggest that kindness is a naturally occuring equation made into an instinct that can be traced back to even the smallest of organisms in order to allow the survival of those who are in your same species
Griffin Reinecke
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. As radiolab revealed many times people can not understand why they did what they did but they just knew that something had to be done. They followed their instincts that are hard-wired into humans brains. In the examples given the people did not have time to think about what to do they just had to follow their instincts. People want to improve the human race as a whole and sometimes people might let things like greed get in their way when it gets down to a life or death situation people with always choose life.
Haley Younger
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals. I believe this because in all reality, not all people are kind. Kindness is a great quality that is found only in the best of humans. Radiolab backs up both ideas; everyone has the ability to be kind and save a life and also mentions the fact that kindness would be given only if the perfect circumstances were put forth. For example, if there was a stray dog lying on the side of the road, most unkind people would end up driving right past it because of the circumstances to that particular situation. But if kindness was hard-wired into our brains, then our automatic reaction would be to stop and pick the dog up or call for help. The three heroes that were talked about in the radiolab all faced different circumstances and their lives were at risk, yet they stood out and helped. The unkind were the bystanders that stood around and watched. Kindness is not hard-wired into our brains, but is something that you learn from experience and as you grow. Once the right circumstance reveals itself, kindness will then flourish from the experience.
Emma Malmquist
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. As the radiolab program revealed, all organisms are driven by their natural instinct to survive, and kindness is simply a scalpel to shape the process. Behind each act of kindness, lies a selfish benefit. As radiolab mentioned, it is more likely to save a sibling then a cousin, in part that nature has turned the math of survival into an instinct. The human has been wired to save the larger percentage of his genes, giving himself a greater chance to survive.
Dually proved, George Price had an alternate motive to share kindness with the poor and unfortunate. Although he was not taking life or death into his own hands, he was not helping without benefit. Price was, at most, offering aid in order to substantiate that kindness exists. Accordingly, verifying his mathematical equation for altruism was indeed correct, and that the world we live in is truly a malicious place.
In essence, kindness is found every day, but there may be more to the story then the passer-by may see. There is always another side to the action, an internal emotion that provokes good, or a simple instinct that has been used to deceive helpfulness.
Amalia Larsen
1. Kindness is hardwired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. Kindness is hardwired into our brains for the same reason that survival instincts and the drive for reproduction are. The Radiolab Good Show helped make this clear to me first through the amoeba findings. The particular amoeba being discussed, Dictyostelium discoideum, usually lives in solitude. However, when resources are very low, the amoeba begin to send out chemical signals until all of them can meet in one place and form a slug. The slug crawls until it finds a place that is windy. At this point, the top 20% of the slug form a stalk that the other amoeba can climb up and get carried off in the wind to find a more resourceful area. The 20% that formed the stalk, are now dead. This was the greatest argument, in my opinion, that kindness and selflessness are in our DNA. If incredibly simple life forms, such as single celled amoeba, will willingly die for the greater good of the amoeba community, then I believe that without a doubt there is an altruistic component similar to that in the dynamic human brain.
Another convincing example of the altruistic gene was the sibling/cousin scenario discussed by Carl Zimmer. The example Zimmer gave was that if two of your siblings were drowning and you managed to save them but you died in the process, nothing was really lost in terms of DNA. This is because with two siblings, they would each have 50% of the parents DNA, covering everything that was lost through your death. You wouldn’t be thinking this through in your head while trying to save your siblings but, over many generations of evolution, the “math” of this scenario has become instinct. This proves that kindness is a component necessary to survival because through saving your siblings, you have also aided in the survival of your line of DNA.
Sage Wiltse
1. Kindness is hardwired into our brains. Radio lab demonstrated many views of kindness. One example was a reference to family and how an individual would instinctually want to save his or her sister or immediate sibling sixteen times more then a third cousin. This is demonstrating that there are levels of kindness; of course more kindness would be shown towards someone who is naturally closer to you in everyday life than towards a complete stranger or more distant family member. But an act of kindness is something that is encouraged to come to the surface of our personalities in certain situations. Situations that Laura Shrake and William Pennell (Carnegie Heroes) were thrust into and acted with kindness. Laura Shrake ran into a pasture to save the life of a woman who was being attacked by a bull. She stated that there was not a moment when she had to think about crossing the line to risking her life for a complete stranger. William Pennell ran outside during the middle of the night to save the lives of three teenagers in a car that was essentially burning down. He said, “I did what any normal person would do.” These individuals risked their own lives to save the lives of people they didn’t know from Adam, but it was instinctual, something wired into the human brain. One example I can think of from my own life is when my mom was the first person on the site of a car accident. She ran out of her car to try and help the people involved in the crash. It was snowing and cold but she got out anyways and ran to the man up side down in his truck, held the woman from the other car (who was in tears) and called the ambulance. She said she didn’t have to think about stopping, but they had been sitting there for 5 minutes and no one else had stopped to help, but my mom did. Kindness should be instinctual and I believe that every person has the characteristic in his or her minds.
Angie Wilson
1 and 2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, but found in ALL individuals. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, but that does NOT always promote survival.
I think kindness develops in us as we learn to care, not just about people we grow to know, but all people. Everyone has kindness in them, hence it is hard-wired in our brains. But, I disagree that it always promotes survival… because sometimes it doesn’t. Some of the examples of kindness used in Radiolab’s, The Good Show, were examples about when the rescuer puts him or herself in danger to rescue someone else. This does not promote survival, because at that moment when the rescuer is saving someone else, they are hurting their chances of surviving. However, if you think of kindness as promoting survival as in using kindness to help others out by working together to grow food or to team up to fend off a dangerous threat, then yes, that promotes survival for the whole group.
In my experience, kindness isn’t something you think about. It’s hard-wired in your brain so when the time comes to help someone or show kindness, you can just act. Some people though, like the people who just stood and watched as one man tried to rescue three teenagers out of that burning car, have less experience and circumstances to help. Me, if I saw my kitty about to be eaten by a wolf or something, I know for a fact I would sacrifice myself for my cat in a heartbeat. I’m not so sure if I would do that for something else though. In the example where the teenagers were in the burning car, the people who didn’t help decided consciously or unconsciously that those teenagers just weren’t worth the risk to their own lives. That doesn’t mean they don’t have kindness in them, only that their kindness, which is inside them, hadn’t expanded as far as the kindness of the man who did decide to help.
You are born with the instinct for kindness, but that doesn’t mean you always choose to use your kindness.
2) Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Although all people possess the biological capacity for both altruism and heroism, these qualities are only displayed by certain people. For someone to be considered for the Carnegie Hero Award, they require a combination of an understanding of what goodness and valiance are, having had these qualities impressed upon them until acting in such a way became subconscious, and the proper alignment of circumstances. Anyone with the former as a part of their experiences would react selflessly when encountering the latter. The man who saved a fellow human from a speeding subway car had a moment of realization, an instant memory; there was a trigger that reminded him of another experience in which the universe, or God, or fate, showed him a mercy that might even be described as kindness. Then, years later, when he saw an opportunity in which he could use that same kindness that saved his own life to spare another, it was a subconscious decision to jump. Though the other award winners did not have the same moment of realization, it is likely that they had a similar experience, a time when they were shown extreme goodness that they then carried with them as sacred. Most everyday kindness that I see (usually more subtle than climbing over an electric fence to stop a bull in the midst of goring someone, I might add), has a distinct undertone of selfishness. I've seen more conniving, underhanded acts masquerading as goodness than I have acts of total altruism. For those people who have never had something extremely kind done to or for them, or, more likely, never recognized the act for what it was, the selflessness of a Carnegie Hero Award winner would be difficult to muster. For this reason, such qualities are present only among a small population of individuals.
Hadley Schoderbek
1. Kindness is more than just a fixed behavior or response to certain situations and stimuli that only some individuals posses. Kindness is present in our genes, by the process of evolutionary changes. Humans have evolved to be kind. At some point in time, somebody took a risk and was kind to another person, and in doing so passed those genes onto their offspring. This is why some people are more kind than others, because not everyone has the same genes for kindness. Kindness is also attributed to the environment, and the surroundings an individual grows up in. People with “strong” altruistic genes will usually demonstrate charitable behavior regardless of the environment. Others, with “weaker” altruistic genes, will often be influenced by the environment, reducing their charitable behaviors. This was evident in the hero stories the radio lab talked about. The lady who jumped an electric fence to save a woman being mauled by a bull, the man who pulled three teenagers from a burning car, and the man who leapt onto the train track to shield another man from an oncoming train all expressed extraordinary kindness. All three of those heroes left a situation of safety to risk their lives to save another in danger. Everyone else in those scenarios, who stood by and watched but dared not risk their own lives were making that choice to do nothing under the influence of the present environment. They may have seen that they could be kind and help, but recognized the dangers in each of those situations and chose to keep themselves safe.
Kindness is a part of life, and those that are not so kind are less likable, and are often outcasts of society, making it harder for their genes to be passed on. Humans have come to accept kindness as a part of life. The child that throws toys at another and steals another’s candy is often quickly punished. After enough negative outcomes are associated with unkindness, the child will, usually, give in and be kind, to try and earn that positive reaction and possibly a beneficial relationship. Most people would rather risk being kind to one another than to potentially destroy their reputation and social connections.
Kindness is in our genes, and is a mechanism for survival in many species. In the amoeba example, 20 percent of the amoeba population sacrificed themselves when living conditions were bad. Instead of risking the death of the entire population, just a fraction of the population died in order to better the survival of the remaining 80 percent. Kindness in this situation is the 20 percent of amoeba that gave up their lives for the others. While their genes are not passed on, making some amoebas kinder than others, this does not matter because amoebas are single-celled organisms and reproduce asexually. Thus, the act of being kind contributes to the success of this species in difficult living conditions, and is used for the sole purpose of survival.
Kindness, specifically in people, is an adaptation that allows us to interact with other people and build a complex social network that depends on other individuals in the population for survival. It also allows for us to complete the ultimate goal of Darwinism, which is to compete, survive, and reproduce. Kindness is actually healthy for us and makes us feel happy. Being happy could also be viewed as a mechanism for survival. Performing acts of kindness makes you healthier physically and decreases feelings of helplessness and depression, giving you a sense of self-worth and optimism. It can diminish the effect of diseases and disorders, both psychological and physical. Yet, just because kindness is in our genome, does not mean we are stuck with the “level” of kindness we were born with. Kindness also depends on experience and circumstance in that sense. While kindness is a mechanism for survival, how kind of a person you are can depend on the environment and circumstance, allowing you make yourself as kind as you want to be.
Demetri Hovekamp
Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. All organisms on Earth strive to survive and reproduce; it is the basic motivation that propels us to do everything in life whether we are aware of it or not. This natural motivation generates an environment full of competition. It is important to remember, however, that competition not only generates rivalries, but also creates bonds. Examples of these in the human world are nationalism, ethnic ties, religious bonds, genetic bonds, and even bonds between humans caused by the fact that we are the same species. “Kindness” is simply interactions between people (or other organisms) that feel such a bond. RadioLab stressed at one point that genetics is a huge component in kind interactions. Relatives generally mean a lot more to us than other people (and organisms) simply because they share a greater density of similar genes. Consequently, we more often show kindness to people that closely relate to us. But, as in all populations, there is variation. Some humans would go as far as to endanger their own lives to save another human they have never met before, while others wouldn’t dare interact with people outside their immediate families.
Although it may sound depressing at first, there is no such thing as true altruism. All heroic and kind acts are simply the work of an evolutionarily working world with natural interactions. RadioLab claimed this would make the world sound “cruel”; Mother Culture (as described in Ishmael) would call such an idea “evil.” These are just pessimistic views that the “Taker” culture has arrogantly inherited. All organisms practice kindness simply because it’s hard-wired into their brains as an involuntary instinct and part of their survival.
Zack Barry
Statement #1 is definitely the statement with which I most closely agree, but if you were to replace “kindness” with “conformity”, then I would wholeheartedly support that theory. The show certainly supports the first statement and gives it credence over the second, although I would argue that, to some extent, it supports the idea of conformity more so than kindness. Take for example the third segment of the broadcast where they explore the “prisoner’s dilemma” and discuss the best solution. Looking back at past solutions, they find the most beneficial solution (in relation to the prisoner) to be where he or she starts out being kind to their partner in crime, friend, or family member and after the first move just copies whatever the other person does. If they respond to the initial kindness with savagery, then the subject should respond with equal intensity and vice-versa if they’re kind back. This solution was embodied in a computer code called “Tit for Tat” and is a great example of small-scale conformity because the whole idea behind it is to do exactly what the other person does. Just for kicks, I decided to try this theory out earlier this week while at a water polo tournament in Foster Lake. While playing a team from the valley, I started out playing a clean game – not kicking my opponent underwater or egging them on at all. This mutual “good-sport” mentality lasted for the first few minutes and then he kicked me square in the chest during a counter attack. I countered with something else and that went on for the rest of the game and eventually, he countered everything I did – we conformed to one another’s actions. Conformity is hard-wired into our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival, not kindness.
Jenoa Jenkins:
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances. While some people live productive, happy lives and remember what kindness is and feels like, some people have never felt kindness and therefor don't know what it is anymore. Every individual may be born with the urge to care for others, but some circumstances have the power to warp peoples ideals into a selfish thought process where they must gain everything and anything with no regards for others welfare. As for altruism in animal behavior, i think it would be a rare occasion for an animal to feel the need to put him/herself in danger to save, warn or help another animal. In the wild, animals rely on a purely primal instinct to give themselves a higher chance of survival. Survival of the fittest, as Darwin suggested, is the way of the wild. Though some humans survive by this ideal, they know only loneliness, anger and unhappiness. It is human nature to lean on others and help those in need, and with the emotional connections to others severed, there's no chance of longevity or peace of mind. So, in an ironic way, Survival of the fittest, in regard to people, would rather be our demise and not our survival.
Alex Arnis
2.Kindness is primarily influenced by experiences that are enforced by society. Humans, in their natural state, have a primary objective to keep their genes alive in some form or another. That is why the primal instinct to save oneself and one’s immediate family is so overpowering, while the instinct to save a cousin is considerably less powering. However this still does not explain why some people appear to be kinder than others and how some people will risk their life to an extraordinary degree to save a stranger’s life. The only possible explanation is that our society has such an emphasis on life that it is so unbearable to what a human die knowing you could have stopped it. This societal force, in some cases, will even overpower the survival instinct. For instance a wolf will never risk their life to save another wolf that has no genetic similarity. However there are numerous stories of dogs saving humans lives. These are two species that are extremely similar however they behave differently based upon the environment in which they grew up. The reason being is because dogs have been bred for generations of kindness and raised in a society with humans that values kindness. This directly relates to the reason hero’s act as they do, because society demands it.
Kindness is hard-wired into our brains. Even though our species evolved in a less instinctual way than most, we still feel the need to help others. As the radiolab program revealed in the story of the man who felt the need to help the teenagers from the car crash near his house. Even though he wasn't the only one around during the time he was the only one who moved in to help at the time.
As humans we fight to keep ourselves alive, and in turn will fight to help someone in distress. Why do we do that? Being naturally selfish people want to look heroic. We feed for attention from others, and to be praised. From this we have learned that in order to find glory we must do good to others to receive recognition. I believe some people really have good in them and feed off of other people energy and helping them. Others do good for the wrong reasons, for attention from others. It really depends if one is put into a position where they would actually have to help someone and save their life. Thats when it would be determined if someone is good natured and selfless.
Addison Blackwell
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. As the radiolab program revealed . . .
Kindness is also a natural action for other species too. In the Radiolab discussion, they had mentioned a type of Amoeba that sends out signals when its sources are low. All the other Amoeba will begin to send out signals as well until they all meet up and form a slug. This slug then crawls to a windy yet sunny place and will begin to shed 20% of itself to save the other 80% that will then blow away into greater pastures.
There was another instance where a woman, named Laura, had pulled her car over and climbed inside a very high voltage electric fence to save another woman's life. She beat the bull with a two inch metal rod while the other woman escaped the fence. Laura had mentioned that she did not recall ever feeling the shock of the fence as she climbed through. She just went for it. This shows that sometimes people don't think when they perform a heroic act. It is just hard-wired in their brains. Each individual is very different and some may have chosen to just drive by when they saw that woman being attacked by the bull. Some of us are hard-wired heroes and some are very inconsiderate individuals. We may not all have the same idea of what a hero is, but there is one inside of all of us and when the situation occurs, you may be automatically saving a strangers life all because of instinct.
Megan Mitchell
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. Radiolab demonstrated using numerous examples that "kindness" is not something you can define. In the first example it was promoted that the more genes you have in common with someone means you are more likely to save them if put in that kind of a situation. You share half of your genes with a sibling and one-eighth with a cousin. Therefore, your instinct to save a brother or sister is sixteen times stronger. Then we get into the subject of whether that interferes with your ability to help or save someone in need, whether you know them or not. Three people were interviewed, all sharing something: they had all saved a stranger's life, and fit the criteria of a "hero." The last man was the one who really intrigued me. When asked why he would risk his life for a stranger he replied that earlier in life he almost died and because God saved him then, "he was spared for a purpose." And when he saw the man roll onto the tracks of an oncoming train there was a voice in his mind that told him this is why he was saved, so he could help this man now. All of the heroes interviewed also reasoned that they didn't think there was a choice when faced with a dangerous situation only instinct to help the person in danger. From personal experience, I once saw a boy I knew fall into a pool, and knowing that he couldn't swim the only thing I could do to help him was jump in and get him out of the water as soon as possible. It was a long time ago but I still remember not even thinking about what to do and diving straight into the water because you always want to see another person survive. Whether you think kindness is inside of us or grows with us as we grow older, it will always be there to debate and study.
Kaylie McQuillin
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. I believe this because kindness is a rare trait to find in people, especially when many only tend to look out for themselves. Radio Lab interviewed three people who were deemed heroes after their couragous actions in life or death situations. These three interviews showed that the "heroes" acted courageously in the difficult situations they were put in. When questioned why they helped, two heroes answered that it was instinct, and that they didn't think about the safety of themselves, but only saving the people in trouble. The other hero said, he once had been spared from death and subconciously knew his purpose from God was to save the man in danger of the train. Kindness is a difficult trait to develope, and only certain people ever fully obtain it. Being 'kind' has a different meaning to everyone. It could be defined as helping others in need or just treating people the way you would like to be treated. Kindness isn't something wired in your brain, but as you grow so does your kindness towards others. Everyone has a chance to be a kinder person based on their reactions to their experiences and circumstances.
Greg Shipman
Opinion #1
The actions of kindness may not be apparent in humans every moment of life, although they lie within every human. The Radio Lab discussed many incidents of courage, selflessness, and kind gestures throughout the broadcast. One act stood out, the story of William Pennell, who risked his life to rush to the aid of three teens trapped in a vehicle engulfed in flames. Why? In the broadcast Pennell states, “I did what any normal person would do.” He never stopped to think should I put myself in harms way for these complete strangers. It is that exact mind set that allows men and women of law enforcement to put on the uniform and head out on their shift everyday. One example I recently experienced is as follows. 911 receives a call for help. The caller states there has been a car accident with unknown injuries. A dispatcher requests a police officer to respond with lights and sirens; people could be injured. A drive of normally ten minutes cut to three on a curvy road the officer arrives on scene. He finds a car at the bottom of a cliff engulfed in flames visible at road level. Without hesitation he scurries down the cliff, through the heat, flames, and smoke to the car to make sure no one is inside. Luckily, the car is empty. The officer took no pause before he put his life on the line speeding through traffic and running into the blaze. It is a harsh reality that most would gawk at the scene and say, “geez, I hope no on is in there.” Some people have a stronger tendency to act on their kindness, though it does lie within all mankind. It is events like these that give weight to the theory kindness is hard-wired into the human brain.
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains because no matter who you are or where you're at everyone does something nice, kind or will think about self-sacrifice at some point in their lives without thinking about it, whether it's a family member, a friend or a complete stranger. A question that Radiolab asked was "Why, why save another humans life and sacrifice your own?" An example of a human sacrificing their own life for someone else was when a lady was driving by and saw that a woman was being mauled by a bull. Her two choices were to ignore the fact she just saw that and keep driving or try and do something to help, if that meant climbing an electric fence. The woman chose the self sacrifice choice and went ahead and climbed the electric fence to save some random lady. At the time, before she even helped the woman, all she thought was "Here's the problem, here's what I need to do and something needed to happen". In my opinion she did the right thing by helping the woman who needed help. In my personal life I have been through many events where I have been kind or self- sacrifice in a different way that didn’t include a life/death situation but something that I have given up for a better cause. So in the end whether you know it or not you’ll do something kind, nice or self-sacrifice for someone else because kindness is hard-wired in our brains.
Alex Noble
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Just like the entire talk show is about, human’s primary instinct is to live and pass on their genes. Survival of the fittest is the deepest line within human nature. Survival of the fittest means to live and survive under any means. During the second segment of the radio show, we heard about a man who risked his own life to save a man who had fallen onto the tracks of a train station with an approaching train. He later explains that he thought it was his calling from God. He said that God had spared his life so that he may do the same to another. He only did it because he was thought it was his calling, not because he was acting out of kindness. Another example from the talk show was during the third segment when they were discussing the computer programs. “Tit For Tat” was a simple program that copied its opponents last move. It retaliated only when its opponent had done so. This is purely situational and proves that it only retaliated to “get back” at the opponent. If a human being sees no kindness throughout his life, he will not pass it on because he feels that he has no kindness to give. He was never exposed to the nature of kindness and did not know the effect it would have on others. He would act out of human instinct and do only what he needed to survive.
Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. If kindness were hard wired into our brains, the world would be very different. If homo sapiens were instinctually kind then our species would not even have a fight or flight reflex; which we clearly do. If we were all naturally kind then we would revert to kindness during conflict. When two people get into a fight then they basically revert to the animal instincts of fight or flight. If we were all instinctually kind then these reactions would be non-existent. This alone proves that kindness is circumstantial, but radio lab also can be used to show this. Radio lab talks about how staying with family is an evolutionary adaptation. As I see it, we are actually moving away from family. In older cultures families would include a much more broad spectrum of the extended family who would all live together. Now, it's shrinking to include less people to save from drowning and less people to be kind to. Overall, kindness is definitely not an instinct that is hard-wired into our brains.
-TK Wasserman
Cameron Miller
Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. The podcast “Radiolab” provided some thought-provoking ideas as to the mystery behind human nature’s instinct to be kind to a fellow being. George Price discovered a possible mathematical explanation behind this puzzle, which makes one think that there is no true “selflessness” or “kindness” in this world we inhabit. During the podcast however, “heroes” were interviewed about the selfless acts they performed to save another in distress. Although the deeds were different, the heroes all had something in common: they were not thinking about their own safety or need to survive, but only of the people in which they were saving. There was no moment where any of the heroes stopped to think, “what is in this for me?” All the acts were selfless and not premeditated, as the equation suggests.
While kindness may be hard-wired in our brains, the choice of whether or not to act upon the instinct is a product of experience. A person is brought into this world knowing nothing; the instincts inside our brains (including kindness) are the only thing we know. As we grow, the impact of the world shapes who we become as people. If someone is raised in a cruel environment as opposed to a caring one, the child raised in cruel conditions is more likely to act upon the learned behavior of cruelty. The kindness is still in their mind, but it is the impact of the world around them that reveals whether or not they choose to show it.
Alexis Hoppes
1. Kindness is hardwired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
As creatures we have this need to survive; the survival of the fittest. If you are a creature you have one thing that has to be done. Make some babies. By having children, you are passing down your characteristics that are the greatest. Every living creature is doing this: to fish, bees, bacteria, birds, humans. But why does anybody help anybody? Some of us are hard-wired to be heroes and some us are hard-wired to be weak individuals. Our brains are just hard- wired for kindness to uphold survival. When in a life or death situation most people don’t care if they risk their life to save someone’s else. Especially when mothers save their children from running into the street, drowning, or anything else that can hurt or kill the children. Mother don’t think of their own safety, they are only concerned with the well being of their child. In the Radiolab, they talked about how an individual must save a family member. The individual shares fifty percent with their sibling, but only one eighth with their cousins.The individual will need to save two siblings or eight cousins to make his genes be equal. It is scientifically proven that you will save the individual which shares the largest percent of genes with you. So the individual will save his siblings before saving his cousins. This is an act of the survival of the fittest.
Emma Su
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. Radiolab pointed out that kindness and good deeds occur naturally. In interviewing many heroes, as defined by the qualifications of the Carnegie Hero award as someone who leaves a safe spot to go risk their live for someone they don’t even know, it was revealed that preforming the heroic deeds did not require any thought. All of the heroes interviewed said that they acted without thought. Goodness is a survival instinct, not necessarily meaning that the individual will survive, but meaning that the population will survive. From an example from radiolab, certain amoebas will sacrifice their own lives in order to save 80% of their fellow amoebas. If these 20% did not give up their own lives, none of the amoeba population would survive. In the long term evolutionary picture, in order for a population or species to survive individuals must sacrifice for the whole. From this evolutionary standpoint, it is clear that if all members of a species were only out for individual survival and did not work together, or left young to raise themselves, the species would tend to be less fit overall. Therefore, goodness or the sacrifice of individual survival is hardwired in order for the whole to thrive. From my own experience I have learned that the kindness that is hard-wired in us, does not necessarily show on a day to day basis, but shows in the event of danger to others or during emergencies.
Raleigh Audette
1. Kindness is hardwired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. Radiolab provided specific evidence of this kindness at the begging of the show when the hosts talked about caring for people close to oneself as a type of survival technique. George Price's formula stated the closer two people are related the more likely they are to be kind to each other as a type of gene preservation which is hardwired into our brains from one’s beginning. This is true to a certain extent but kindness does not solely derive from one’s family or personal relationship with someone as later proven in Radiolab, when numerous people risked their lives to save complete strangers out of the kindness hardwired in their brains. Although these situations don't directly save ones genes from being destroyed, as stated by one of the guests on Radiolab, who saved three teenagers from a burning car because he would want someone to do the same for his teenagers if faced with the same situation. This type of kindness may have an indirect correlation to Price's formula, but, none the less, a connection can be made. For example, countless times when driving my car I leave extreme space between myself and bikers, knowing it is the safe and kind action to take, but also knowing that when the roles are reversed that person may show me the same kindness I gave them and therefore aiding in my survival. Although there are many greedy and selfish people in the world who break these rules on a daily basis, the majority of the human race performs kind deeds without a second thought because kindness is hardwired into our brains as a “what goes around, comes around” survival technique.
Aidan McCoy
1. Kindness is hard-wired into our brains. Every person feels the urge to be nice without having to think about it or acting on prior knowledge or experiences. The circumstance is what makes a person have second thoughts on possible heroic acts, not the cause for kindness. In the section where they interviewed three different people who were awarded a prize for heroic acts, it was demonstrated that each person felt that they had to help or were meant to help. One of these heroes saved a woman who was being mauled by a bull and was ultimately going to die if no help came. She ran over and went through an electric fence without second thought to help a complete stranger. This action was almost a reflex to seeing someone in need showing that it hard-wired into our brain. This lady had no past experience that caused her to take action nor did the circumstance influence her in any way. I know this feeling because I get it all the time, even for the most simple of things like opening the door for someone who has their arms full or allowing friends to borrow items when they really need it. We all get the urge to help but the circumstances sometimes get the best of us and cause us to act differently.
Jadyn Maestas
1. Kindness is hard-wired into our brains.
As soon as Radiolab brought those three heroes on the show I automatically knew that kindness must be hard-wired into our brains. Not one of them had a reason for saving a strangers life but they did it without one look backwards. None of them thought that they might die in the process, they just dove right in to help. When I was about 5 or 6 I was hiking in Salt Lake City, Utah with my family on a very narrow pathway. A week later, we turned on the news to see that a little girl had fallen off the side of that same trail and a complete stranger died jumping off to save her. With my personal experience and what I’ve listened to from Radiolab, I’d say there’s kindness in everyone.
Katie Simpson
2.Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. I believe this because in my experiences it seems that most people primarily look out for themselves. In the Radiolab brodcast three heroes were interviewed. These people acted impressively in the diffiult situations they found themselves in. However, If everyone acted with the same kindness the term heroe would not be necessary. The people interviewed are considered heroes because they are the exception to the rule. There was a study done in Times Square where for hours they faked a kidnapping. The shocking fact is that of the hundreds of people walking by, only a few actually stopped to help. This goes to prove that humans look out for number one.
Colton Brooks
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.Radiolab's argument is very solid in that people act without thinking when there is someone in a life threatening situation whether or not it is a family member or not a person will risk their own life to save another. For example the story of the Carniege medal winner who saved a man from being run over by a subway abandoned his young daughters to save a man he didn't even know. I agree with this statement because to even though there are people who are are criminals an theives, there are also people that will risk everything to help one in need. The Carniege Medal award gets thousands of nominations, and they have high standards this obviously means that kindness is extremely abundant.Unfortunately all to often on the news in the paper you see that some one has stolen a car, robbed a gas station, or even taked another persons life. Very much like the case of the soilders at christmas, they didn't want to fight if the other side didnt fight back. they saw no reason to retaliate if there was no threat. The soldiers were like the winning program only fighting if the other side took the first punch. But when the fighting stopped the high ranking generals ordered retaliation setting the "echo" back into effect. There is kindness in the the world even if they arent the majority.I believe, as Radiolab has pointed out, it only takes a few kind individuals to take over a world of reatilaition.
Eli Abraham
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. This is my believe because the common response among the heros was that they had no explanation for why they chose to save a stranger in danger, they had no choice moment. This is why I believe that altruism is a trait that is hard wired into our brains. Something snaps in our minds and we pity someone who is in an unfortunate situation and sometimes put our lives on the line for them. Altruism is an instinct and therefore when you see someone in desperate need, you have no time to think about weather or not you should save them, you just do it. An example of this from "radiolab" is the woman who saved the other woman from the bull. She had to cross an electric fence, to run over and fight a creature 10 times bigger and stronger than she was for no reward to herself. She voluntarily left a point of safety to risk her life to an extraordinary degree to save the life of another that had no relation to her. People feel obligated to save strangers because they want to i believe better the whole of the human race and that is why I believe altruism is hard-wired in out brains.
Vanessa Rodgers
Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Radiolab's program showed this through a number of examples, including the winners of the Carnegie award. The second winner, a man who saved three drunk teenagers from a burning truck, informed Radiolab that one of the reasons he risked himself for the teenagers was that he hoped that if his own daughter was ever in danger, someone would help her like he helped the boys. Without the experience he had of having a daughter, he may not have taken the same risk to save the teenagers, because he would not have known the fear of possibly losing a child. The third winner of the Carnegie award also shows that experience influenced his choice to risk his life when he reflected on a memory of being spared his life when a gun was held to his head, before he jumped from the platform of a subway station to save another man from being hit by a train. The experience made him feel as if he had been spared only so that he could in turn save another's life. In my own life I know that I am more kind and understanding towards other people's problems when I have had the experience of going through that same problem myself. If I have experienced people being unkind to myself or others, I will often react the same way back, with the same being true of the opposite situation, much like the computer program that won the prisoner's dilemma contest. The computer that won was programmed to be nice to the opponent on the first turn, and then copy the opponent's previous turn for the remainder of the game. To use previous experience in life to judge how to react to a situation, life threatening or not, is the nature of humans.
Emma Dahl
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
Altruism is a kind of paradox when it comes to humans. If I were to see someone in need or in trouble, I would sympathize with said person, and in turn feel bad. In order to relieve myself of this bad feeling, I feel compelled to help this person. Even though altruism is the belief of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others, there is some sort of reward: Relief and a kind of comfort.
Some are brave and willing to risk their lives to help others. The first "hero" saw a women being mauled by a 900 pound bull, which would distress and worry just about anyone witness to it. A good human would not casually notice this occurrence and walk right past. Laura, the hero, didn't even consider the fact that she could lose her life trying to help the victim, which is true altruism. I personally would not be able to save this woman like Laura had, but I would try and get help. People like Laura have certain instincts that tell them to help fellow man.
A factor that the RadioLab folks didn't delve deep into is adolescents. As young children, we are all selfish. It is always, "mine!" As we grow older we learn how to sympathize and share and help. I once watched a documentary on a little girl who was beaten and neglected, and she had no sense of conscience and was basically a sociopath. She was later treated and helped in a nurturing environment where she learned basic human functions, like simply being kind. Kindess is a partly learned and developed trait.
Altruism seems to be different with animals, though. The twenty percent of amoeba in the cluster that form the slug sacrifice their life so their kind can survive. That was the one truly, truly selflessness that I observed from this radio show, but do amoebas really have a sense of "self"?
Calvin Aylward
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains as well as in other organisms. Radiolab uses the example of the amoeba, where they all gather together when resources are low. The top 20 percent amoeba die to help the other 80 percent have a chance to survive. The radiolab's section on heroes reveals that kindness is hard-wired into our brain. The first lady left a point of safety, climbed through an electrical fence and then fought a bull with a piece of tubing. The heroes all say that they did not think about what they were doing or the consequences to themselves, they simply did what they could to help. Hero number three even left behind his two young daughters to protect a complete strange from an oncoming train. In my own life I witness simple acts of kindness all the time. People holding doors open for complete strangers or asking if someone needs help even though neither person knows each other. Kindness is hard-wired, an instinct, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
Tanna Reid
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. The radiolab provided compelling agreements that supported this idea. The lab revealed that all people have some amount of kindness in them, although some more so than others. The Radio lab began with a genetic study proving that people, who are related to each other genetically, are more likely to risk their own lives to save someone who they are related to, compared to a stranger. Because of the fact that siblings share 50 percent of their DNA, this statement seems realistic and accurate. The next section that interviewed the three heroes clearly showed that the heroes didn’t stop to think about what they were doing, they simply knew it was the right thing to do. The heroes were able to push through the situation because they knew that saving a life was more important than anything else at that moment. If kindness was not hard wired in our brains, then the human race would not do those things for each other, and eventually, with time, the human race itself would die-out. So it proves that this can be an instinct of survival.
Carl Akacich
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
Humans are primarily selfish beings. A human will rely on his/her instinct of "survival of the fittest", this means that humans look out for themselves only to survive and reproduce, not to please others. George Price's conclusion of his own formula, that alturism does not really exist, is the truth. Humans do display acts of kindness, but these acts are purely to satisfy a personal need (the need to keep 50% of ones genes in the world by saving a sibling). In every day life you can see examples of humans acting on selfish desires in a way that comes across as kindness. For instance, somebody giving a gift to someone else, is simply seeking the pleasing feeling of making that person happy, furthermore one may hope to receive a gift in return. People are inherently self driven and act only for personal gain even in situations of kindness.
Ashlea Dolf
Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals. If kindness was hard-wired into our brains then those neighbors standing by would not have existed, they would have been helping rescue the teenagers from the flaming car. The man who lie on top of another man under a train to save the other man did it because, at one point in his life, he was in a life or death situation and was spared his life. This man's experience coming so close to death but being spared made him want to save someone else. If kindness was hard-wired in to our brains we would help anyone in any bad situation without thinking about it; but that is not the case. Only certain people help others. This is because these people have, at one time or another, been in a situation that caused them to believe in helping others even at the cost of their own lives. If we were designed to be kind murder would be scarce or not exist, assault would be rare or nonexistant. If we were designed to be kind this world would be a better place.
Hannah Gill
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival of the species. Radiolab's podcast about kindness come to prove that kindness is a species will to survive, whether their genes will be passed on or not. Survival of the fittest in a species holds no water and cannot carry on if the species is no longer around. An example from radiolab's podcast are the amoebas. When there is a threat to their species as a whole, they come together and twenty percent of them die so that the remaining eighty percent can survive. Without the twenty percent self sacrificing so that the others can find food, their kind as a whole would die off. Kindness isn't a random disposition that serves little purpose, it is an eternal need for the group as a whole to carry on.
In some situations, however, kindness is a circumstantial thing, that again relates back to our own survival, the survival of the group, and how essential it is to save the other person.
The need to help the species survive is clear in situations in which a child is the one in danger. It is a common instinct in most everyone especially most women to protect children. They are the next step, the next generation, and they are crucial to the survival of our species. This is why people are even more likely to show that sort of kindness to children. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains to help the species as a whole endure hardships and continue on.
Hudson Dolezal
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains,a biological imperative that promotes survival. Radio lab supported this claim with strong evidence about how kindness is an instinct that has evolved as long as humans have been around. In the example of a human aiding a human, a sibling is more likely to aid their brother or sister over a stranger or a cousin because they share more genes with each other. George Price proved this with a mathematical formula explaining that we display kindness in order to benefit ourselves. No matter how big the act of kindness it benefits you in the end which is why it was done in the first place. Even though it is an instinct, in a way it is very selfish because it is done to aid yourself. When George Price tried to disprove what he had discovered he only supported it because while he was committing selfless acts, he was improving the way he was viewed by others.
Not only has this been proven in humans, but in other life as well. Single cell amoebas will join together when there is no food to find a better place to live. In order to do this they must sacrifice 20% of themselves in order for the 80% to make it to a better place where they can survive. Even though this seems like a very selfless act they are doing it because the other amoebas share the same genes so they are preserving themselves in a way.
Sheridan Jeffries
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
Often, a person is kind when they have experienced kindness, just as a person can be cruel when kindness has never been given. In The Good Show, Westley James Autry explained that when the man fell, just before he jumped, what came to his mind was when he was almost shot, but that when the trigger was pulled, it misfired. To him it was an act of kindness from God so that he could save the person from that day. From that stroke of luck, or act of God’s kindness, he was inspired to save the person who fell.
This situation is also similar with dogs, most commonly known, the pit bull. These dogs, when beaten and taught to hate and kill other dogs or people, will do just that, as they have never known kindness. On the other hand, the dogs, if the have experienced kindness and love, will be sweet and loving to people. There are some people though, who will be kind even if they have had a horrible childhood or awful parents, but more often than not the child will end up not giving kindness to others since he or she has not experienced kindness. Kindness is not, in a sense, programmed in our brains. Kindness has to be shown and experienced by a person so that the person may give it to others.
Alyssa Hale
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
Radiolab explained this by saying when the amoeba has resources that are low they send out signals for help. Then other amoeba send signals and they all come together to form a slug. Which is a single organism then finds a place that is windy and sunny, then the top 20% of the amoeba in the head of the slug create a stock, that hardens and those amoeba dies. But then the bottom 80% of the amoeba crawls up the stock and form an orb and the top of the stock. The rest of the amoebas that aren't dead catch a wind to better pastures. The top 20% just sacrificed themselves so the bottom 80% would survive to go to a better place to live.
People do acts of kindness every day, such as, giving money to the homeless, helping at the homeless shelter, but sometimes people only do this to make themselves feel better. However, others do this to actually help other. People do sacrifice things to help others, in my life I watch my little brother someday during my summer so that my mom can go enjoy some days out with her friends, because my dad works all day. I could just be selfish and not babysit him, but I want my mom to enjoy herself too, so I help out. I actually enjoy myself too.
I think us as people just have kindness in our brains because we all want to do kindness just naturally; we are drawn to doing kindness.
James Warburton
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Radiolab does show that there are heroes who take an altruistic approach, trying to benefit someone else at their own expense. While a man may have impulsive rescued drunken teens from a car wreck, or leaped onto a subway track to pull a man off the rails, then why did no one else do the same? If we are all hard-wired to be kind, then you would see many people going out of their way to instigate a myriad of kindness daily, from holding the door open for someone, to having former enemy nations cooperate. That is not the case. Only the experiences and the circumstances of what is at hand can show kindness. William Pennell ran out to save those teens, because it was the circumstance of what was happening. There were three kids trapped in a burning car, they need to be rescued before they die. Some may argue this was impulse, or was it other circumstances and variables he could not control? If the car was not on fire, or not at 3:00 in the morning, then Mr. Pennell may have not pulled them from the car, but would he rather have helped in some other way? What if it did not happen at his home, or at a store, where there are many other people who would be in a position to respond kind-fully? Robert Axelrod ran computer experiments to decide the best foreign policies between the United States and Russia, where the strategy “eye for an eye” prevailed, winning the simulation by pairing with other “caring” strategies. This was a simulation. There are many variables that could have been taken account of, such as regime changes, from a friendly to a hostile one, or economic or environmental disasters that make people both kind and bonding, or drive them apart due to the situation at hand.
Could this kindness also be our experience as people in Western Society? In Western Europe, and most of the Americas, we have been educated to greet and interact with people cordially, unless we know from past experience or knowledge they do not deserve our affection. Whereas looking at areas such as Palestine, where there is little kindness, only open hostility between religious groups, a belief that has been forefront for those people for almost twenty centuries. Kindness is a product of what we learn. My family hosted a foreign exchange student, who was quite caring, affectionate. However, when a conversation about Muslims in her country was brought up, she showed no affection to them. This was the way the citizens of her country experienced life, and passed this experience down to her. In the end, what we grew up to experience and understand, and our life circumstances at hand show human kindness, not our genes.
Davis Calande
2.Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals. Radiolab revealed several examples to show that kindness is achieved through experiences and is isn't present in every human being. Although kindness is hard-wired into the brain, it takes special circumstances to bring the trait out in any given individual. Humans are a machine for survival and they strive to keep themselves in a situation where they are at no risk of danger, this statement is true of course unless the psychological state of a human's mind is altered from an experience. When Wesley Autrey was interviewed about why he dove into the track and risked his life to save a man he had never met before it was clear that he had an altering experience in the past. One where true kindness was brought out into his personality. At root humans are selfish, programmed to save themselves at all cost but through studies of the epigenome we are now certain that humans change in everyway throughout their lifetime. Events in one's life can change the epigenome greatly which could lead to a change in emotion, changing selfishness to selflessness.
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. As Radiolab touched upon, when all of the “hero’s’ attempted to save the strangers, they had no explanations why they did it, only that they were compelled to save them. The hero’s were all being driven by a mental force to help the strangers, and that same primeval instinct was “printed” in every single persons mind thousands of years ago. That is the reason why many people strive to make the world a better place and end many of the evils in this world, even if they must sacrifice some of their freedoms and safety’s. This need to strive for kindness and save others is not only found in humans but also the most basic forms of life like the amoebas. The amoebas will form together and make a “stack” killing the top 20 percent and allowing the rest to survive; this only helps show that nature intended all living things to have some form of kindness in them.
Marcus Hansen
1.Kindness is hard wired in our brains. everyone is born with it, but only certain circumstances can provoke that. If raised in a good environment, kindness can be on the top, easy to access. For the ones not so lucky, kindness is still there, just buried under painful memories. When the radio was talking about the torture of cows and other animals, it makes you feel bad, but only a few will go out and do something. The part about the cheetahs really intriged me. It made me think that most animals disregard kindness, because if they don't, they die. It is a natural instinct that overcomes the kind part of the brain. The radiolab also helped reveal to me that the instincts you have of kindness are stronger, the more the person is in your life.
Brandeen Jacobson
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. I agree with this statement, some individuals learn to be kind through social learning. Parents, teachers, and peers model positive behavior, and as a result they will treat others kindly. We are born egocentric; we are going to do whatever it takes to keep us alive and thriving. I took a seminar where they taught us for a full day and a half that to have “world peace” that we must think win- win. The facilitator told us on the first day that we are going to play a game later in the seminar and the answer will be win- win. We played a game similar to the prisoner’s dilemma. We were split into two groups and placed into separate rooms. Though we all subconsciously knew that the answer was to choose the scenario that would be beneficial to all of us, we would choose the wrong one. Hundreds of classes before and after mine did this. Everyone is out to win and be on top. People can be kind but it usually has some kind of reward for them. It may be a material prize or it can be an emotional reward, but there is not always a reward.
Nicole Cuddihy
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
Kindess is unique to an individual, not something that everyone is capable of expressing, or at least to the extent of the individuals featured in the podcast. All three interviewed heroes were the only people willing to risk their lives for others in each of their situations. Hero 1 described that she was given a pipe by another person, but she alone faced the bull. Hero 2 added that he called for help in saving 3 victims lives, yet none of his neighbors assisted him. Finally Hero 3 added something to this perplexing theme. He stated that he had a prior near-death experience and felt almost compelled or chosen to save the man in his situation. This evidence supports the fact that people show kindness due to their own experiences and the circumstances, for if it was something biologically a part of all of us, countless other strangers would have rushed to help in each situation. Additionally the first section of the podcast, they discuss George Price and research and selflessness. The kindness he portrays later is due to his previous life, his events and what he had learned with his research. If kindness was genetic, he would have shown some towards his original family instead of leaving them.
In my own life I have seen examples of kindness that vary and I believe the differences are due to their unique situations. I have a friend who is one of the kindest people I know, very considerate, yet she grew up in a household quite the opposite. Both her parents were vacant and her household was split at an early age, and I think that lack of warmth as a child ended up causing her to be more genuine and kind. Another classmate of ours, who had a much more supportive and pampered upbringing displays far less kindness and compassion, which I still link to their experiences. My friend, who has gone through hardships, empathizes and shows sympathy, whereas the other classmate is used to a padded life and looks down upon others. Kindness is not genetic for it is easily proven in various examples. Few humans possess enough kindness to risk their own lives and it can take many different experiences for kindness to emerge from someone.
Seth Millard
1. All Humans are born to be selfless. Even though some may grow up in a more selfish circumstance, we are still born with a kind instinct. Therefore, kindness is hard-wired into our brains from the day we are born. For example, in the show it talked about how we are more likely to save a brother or sister more than a cousin. Our siblings carry more of our genes therefore we will subconsciously save them before we save a cousin. Another example is the people who got the hero award. There instinct was to save the person even if it risks their own life. Humans are born with the instinct of kindness.
Juliette Green
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
This statement is proven by George Price's discovery the altruism equation. The equation shows that we unknowing will save a sibling rather than a cousin because they carry 50% of our gene, in the long run its like saving half of ourselves. If we had to sacrifice something that would allow us to gain something more in the future most of us would sacrifice anything. George Price went on a journey to find true selflessness in the world; he did this by helping the homeless. He bought them food, gave them money, and keys to his house offered anything to these helpless people, it would seem that he was proving is equation wrong, that not all individuals want to please just themselves, that there really is true kindness. But if you really look at his true actions he was only doing this to prove to himself that the equation is wrong, this was not true selflessness at all it was only to gain more satisfaction for himself. His kindness came from his search for satisfaction for himself. When someone shows kindness there’s always a second reason why, when you give someone a gift or show affection you’re not only giving satisfaction to the other person but you’re also giving yourself satisfaction.
Laura Conway
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. As the radiolab program revealed, kindness is not a characteristic that is found in everyone. Kindness is a trait that one picks up from how they are raised and the experiences they have been through in their lifetime. In the radiolab, there were three stories told about heros, or everyday people with moments of glory, that did something to better the community around them or to save lives. But what some don't realize is that there were others standing around in each of these acts. But they didn't jump to the chance to be a hero. They didn't dive in front of a train to save another's life. So if kindness is hardwired into the human brain, why did everyone else just stand around? This is proof that kindness is a product of experiences and circumstances that no one can predict.
There have been many instances of kindness expressed throughout my life. Including others helping me to pick up pencils I had spilled, all the way to a flight attendant stopping a flight so my family and I could make it on the plane to Hawaii. One example stands firmly out in my mind. It was a hot day and many families were enjoying the activities at a local pool. I happened to be sitting by my mom who was engaged in a conversation with another women. There was a little girl, too young to swim, who was playing in the water inside a circular flotation device. All of the sudden the little girl flipped over in her tube. My mother didn't see this happen but the other lady saw the whole situation unfold. Instead of taking action, the women just pointed at the girl and exclaimed to my mom, "oh my gosh! look at that girl!". My mom immediately sprung out of her chair and sprinted towards the pool. Diving in clothes and all my mom saved that little girls life on that hot summer day. While multiple other families sat and watched, only one person in the entire area decided to take action and make a sacrifice of themselves, or of there cellphone, to save that little girl. Therefore kindness must be acquired through experiences and not hardwired into the brain. True kindness is a rare thing, and I'm incredibly lucky and proud to have a mom who displays it on a daily basis.
Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. We are born with a certain set of traits that may be changed by experiences in our own lives. "The Good Show" uses an example of a man, George Price, who has taken his own life as a responsibility to help others, just because that is what he feels is "normal," to provide kindess. He assists other human beings who do not have a home, food, or money, to survive, although he is also under the same circumstances. In the end, George had killed himself. He went through all of this for other people, out of what is to be considered pure kindness, but in the process he ran himself out of money and hope.
Earlier in the broadcast a hypothetical story is given of a brother saving his sister in a flood. Darwin's theory: survival of the fittest, means by human instinct we do whatever we can to stay alive and keep our genes "in the system." Back to the situation of the brother rescuing the sister, she has fifty percent of his genes, so if at least she were to live, that much would be carried on, instead of the zero percent that would be if he were to say fail at saving his own self and they both die. By instinct though, the brother would save her first, it's the "hard-wiring" within us to have that compassion of putting others before ourselves in a life or death situation.
With the proof of these two examples, I believe everyone is born with the desire and instinct to be kind to other humans and all living things. But it is dependent upon the events one goes through in a life time that will decide if the "hard-wiring" of kindness will actually remain in an individual's brain.
Alexa Thomas
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. While listening to "The Good Show", I was given stories that only strengthened my opinion of whether kindness is hardwired into our brains or not. In the story of the man that went into a burning car to save the life of three teenagers, the man said that he cannot answer as to WHY he did what he did. While he was doing that, another neighbor was standing to the side. That fact may make it seem like kindness is in no way an instinct for human beings, but the woman was still telling the man that there were still two others in the car, therefore, she was helping. In all of the cases discussed on “The Good Show”, the people that showed kindness and went to help the people struggling all said that they didn’t really think of how their action might affect them.
Throughout my life, I have experienced kindness as being an instinct in humans. Although it might not be something as extreme as risking your life to save another, things such as helping someone get an item from a cabinet that is up high, or opening the door for someone, are still considered acts of kindness. The point being, I believe that kindness is hard-wired into our brains, however, only certain people have the courage to act upon it.
Sammy Hignell-Stark
1. After listening to The Good Show, I am now thoroughly convinced that kindness and selflessness in themselves, are hard-wired in our brains. For example, if one's family is in danger, they are instinctively designed to save the family members with the most amount of similar genes, like a brother or sister. It is not necessarily that the individual rescuing the family is cruel for not saving their cousin, it's the plain and simple fact that they are "needing" to save their similar genes so they may, so to speak, live on.
Another supporting fact as to why kindness is hard-wired in our brains is the computer progamming and war section of the broadcast. Though some could arue that this is a learned trait, I believe it is instictive to stay safe and to not be harmed. So, by treating others well, you will be treated well back. As cliche as it may be, the quote "Love your neighbor as yourself" pairs perfectly with this radio show.
Though I may have chose question number one, I do not believe that kindness is based solely on hard-wiring, or learned circumstances. I do know that every individual on this earth has kindness in them, kindness that some do not understand or kindness that they do not know how to let loose. But, I do also know that bravery -- which is very closely related to kindness -- is only in certain individuals. This is why the three heroes had no way of explaining their thought process behind their good deeds. They were brave, and there is not necessarily an explanation as to why one person has this trait, and others do not.
What it all comes down to, though, is the specific individual, at a specific moment, with a specific circumstance that creates kindness or bravery... and that is exactly why the world is so unpredictable, why people are so unperdictable, and quite frankly, why this world goes round.
Aedin Wright
1. Kindness is hardwired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. For me, radio lab revealed tear conjuring scenarios that demonstrate quite plainly, the goodness in humanity. When Wesley Autry jumped on top of a convulsing man who had fallen down into the subway tracks, he became an instant hero. People were taken by the selflessness and “goodness” of the act. Humans are drawn towards admirable people. Similarly, people are also attracted towards pleasing people. Most people like someone who compliments them upon their first meeting.
Robert Sapolsky, a professor at Stanford, was researching a group of baboons. The group happened upon a camp, whose trash heap was food galore for the baboons. The dominant males, known for there violence, are top of the food chain in baboon colonies. The dominant males ate all the meat scraps and left little to none for the rest of the group. Soon, the meat scraps were infected with TB, and all the dominant males died. Dr. Sapolsky stopped research then because he thought the group had been too influenced by humans and weren’t offering viable research as they wouldn’t naturally be without the dominate males. Years later, returning to the same area, Sapolsky happened upon the same group of baboons. With astonishment, he saw that “kindness” had taken the place of strength and violence in the culture. His conclusion was with all the dominant males dead, the weaker males had to swage the females somehow and resorted to picking out the bugs from their fur for them, getting them food and being generally nice. Another anomaly he witnessed was that there were new baboons that had joined the group and had assimilated with this “kind” routine. Assumabley, a new baboon joining from a different group, would have come in and tried to act tough, as is normal for baboons, to receive entry. They would them be buffeted aside and only paid attention to when they had learned to be nice.
My theory is that something similar happened in our history as humans. There was some point when our culture changed, showing us it was more effective to get along with each other than be constantly at one another’s throat. Homo Sapiens have been living for sometime, enough to have kindness thoroughly engrained in our DNA.
Alex Dean
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals. In all three deadly situations depicted in the Radiolab broadcast, there were more than just one person in a position to help the individuals in danger, yet only one person acted. If kindness was indeed hardwired in our brains, every one of William Pennal’s neighbors or the subway onlookers would have jumped onto the tracks or dragged the teens from the car, although that was not the case. Only the individuals with the precise experience, in a situation with the exact circumstances, acted. I read about a car accident a few months back in which five strangers lifted a burning car in order to rescue the driver that was pinned underneath. The accident was on a California highway with hundreds of drivers passing it a minute although only five people stopped, barley enough to lift the car. They saved the mans life and when questioned why they did it, one of the men --a roadway worker a few feet from the crash-- stated “because I would want the same done for me”. The circumstances of that incident and his experience led that man to act, while leading others to sit and watch.
1. Kindess is hardwired in out brains. As radiolab program revealed that human beings have automatic instincts to save and protect family or other loved ones. As George Price studied and revealed the more genes you share with another person the more you'll be willing to save them and sacrifice yourself for them. I think everyone has the ability to show kindness and I believe it is in everyone's brain.
Whenever you see someone in trouble or in danger, most peoples first instinct would be to run over and help them as much as they could or call for help if you were uncapable of doing so. This also goes for animals, if you see an animals in pain most would stop and help or ask for help. I truly believe no human being likes to see anyone or anything in pain. However some people choose to not show kindness because it might make them look "uncool". So I think everyone has the ability to be kind, it just depends on the people you hang out with and the people who have influenced you in either a bad or good way growing up.
1. Kindness is hardwired in our brains. Humans have been shown to be unwilling to help people in danger, however, other humans have perished in the pursuit in saving others. People believe that because a certain amount of humans don't help others it is a product of experience and environment. What should be considered and explored is that kindness is hardwired into our brain due to environment and experience.
The epigenome is responsible for turning certain genes on and off and is responsible for telling cells in your body what to do. The epigenome changes throughout a person's life and does this because of lifestyle, experience, and environment so what your body does and how you act can be influenced thanks to the epigenome. When studying this last year I came across an interesting study. Simple lab rats were shown to have changes in the epigenome that influenced behavior because of attention from their mother as newborns.
So in theory the same idea is applied for kindness due to experience in our life we become hardwired to help others despite the risks. When radiolab talked about this concept and used examples the people who saved another person's life described the experience it seemed as if all the responses were instinctual. The woman who saved a person from the bull was able to ignore the pain from an electrical fence to save a person. Often when we are doing an action that is instinctual we will ignore pain and other signals from our body. The drive to help another person was so strong that a person was able to ignore being shocked by an electrical fence. Drawing a conclusion from evidence of all these examples one can conclude that kindness is hardwired into some people's brains
Ryan Blackwell
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experiences and circumstances, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
As evidence suggests in Radiolab, kindness isn't harbored in all people. For example, hero 2 William Penal risked his life to safe 3 teenagers in a burning car. Now of course he had a choice, as everyone at all times has a choice. He chose at that moment to do the risky of he two. During his interview, he was asked why he helped the teenagers out. His answer was because these were someones kids and that if his child was in danger that someone else would help her out as well. He related to the teenagers, therefore he helped them out. During this incident, questions arose as to why Mr. Penal's neighbors didn't try to help out the teenagers in the burning car. This question certainly suggests that not all people have kindness hard-wired into them, but its a aspect that comes of result over a lifetime. People say that kindness can be shown in a multitude of ways, and i agree with this. If kindness was hard-wired into our brains, then i believe that everyone would have the same definition of kindness. In my opinion, kindness is absorbed from experiences that a person has, not hard-wired into our brains.
Zach Herbik
2.Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals. This statement was proven by both George Price's experiment, and the segment regarding the man who saved another man's life on the train tracks. While Price spent time being completely selfless, and doing everything in his power to help others in need before he thought about his own needs, he mentions how he constantly battled his personal and "selfish" desires to take care of himself. He had to ignore his self-preserving instincts so that he could continue these acts of kindness, even though he was very uncomfortable doing so while he let his own desires fall short in priority. Price's constant need to consciously put others' needs before his own shows that, instinctively, he would put his own needs before others, and must deliberately make an effort to practice kindness and prioritize another person before himself.
In addition to Price's dilemma, the man who jumped onto the train tracks and protected another man with his own body's actions and thoughts prove that Kindness is not an instinct, but a conscious understanding that a person should help others. When the man tells the story of when he was once almost killed by a gunshot, but was saved by a misfire in the gun, he mentions that when he noticed the man fall to the tracks, that he knew he had been saved for a reason, and that he knew he had to try and save the man. This realization before action again proves that people must make it a conscious decision to put others before themselves, and therefore kindness is not a natural reflex brought upon by implemented kindness in a human's brain.
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
In the first moments of the show the question is asked, "'How do you know generosity is generous?"' Kindness is seen as an act of generosity and being gracious, but I ask why do we exhibit the properties of kindness? There are those who have held lives filled with bad behavior, generally punished for their bad behavior they turn a new leaf seeing that circumstance led them to a new lifestyle. For example, the man who saved another being from a speeding subway car may have thought about his decision, but his mind prompted him to do a heroic action. Previously in his life he may have been shown mercy or been given a second chance, this chance led him to do a kind act as a way to repay the universe for a second chance.
Further the act of collecting shoes for those in need is seen as kindness. I believe there is a hidden selfishness that gives reason for people to participate in this. When generosity is displayed it gives a feeling of happiness, and reveals a selfishness as to why humans show kindness, not to better the world around them, but to prove to themselves that they have helped improve it.
Kindness is not a subject that can be given reason for why it's actions take place. Through the stories and heroes given I have concluded that universal experiences and circumstances lead to why these acts occur, for without any substandard actions there can be no reaction to better the situation.
Maddi Grenfell
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. Although some find it hard to believe, selfishness is not the only thing that runs through our veins. Kindness is also hardwired into our body's, a key point of evidence is shown through George Price's study of family genes. If put in the situation where you have to choose to save your brother in the risk of your own life, most individuals will choose the natural instinct to save a member of there family who contains 50% of the same genes. In a fictional since, Katniss Everdeen saves her sister by taking her spot in The Hunger Games (an arena full of killing teens). But as the Radiolab pointed out there are also situations were a complete stranger may climb an electric fence only to stand in front of an angry bull to save another human. Kindness is a natural instinct that is hard-wired into our brains from the beginning. Some may feel stronger instincts to save another being, but the instinct will always be there.
Kadyn Mauldin
1. kindness is hardwired into our brains. Although radio lab provided numerous examples, the scenario that spoke to me most was the one that stated that a person is more likely to save another person based on how closely they are related. This theory, put simply, proclaims that the main reason for saving another person or being is for your DNA to live on in them. In theory, kindness is hardwired into our brains as a selfish act.
It is my personal belief that the theory of kindness being somewhat selfish applies to most people.
I do believe, however, that there are obvious exceptions, being a person who throws himself in front of a train for another man, or a woman who braves an electric fence and raging bull for another person. A theory of mine providing an explanation as to why these people do selfless acts is simply that somewhere in their subconscious, the need to sacrifice themselves for another to save themselves has been taken to the next level. These people didn't have time to stop and think of the odds, or if they in fact needed to save this person to survive, they simply let their instincts take the reigns.
Kiley Cunningham
2. Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
Radiolab provided arguments that led me to believe and support this statement. In one part, when they are discussing the Carnegie Awards, they explain three different situations in which humans risk their own lives to save a complete stranger's life. The first two answer that they don't even know WHY they did what they did. The third claimed that his God had set him up for that exact situation in time. What the interesting part is not why any of them did it, however more of the fact that all three of these events took place in areas with many bistanders. The question being raised that if, in fact, kindness had been hardwired into our brains, why didn't anybody else in any of these situations stop to help? Why hadn't anyone made an effort to aid the rescuer in saving the victim? How was it so easy to watch but not to react?
The answer is that in order to will yourself to help another person in need, you must have first been placed in a situation where your mind has softened and become more thoughtful and caring towards your surroundings. Something MUST have happened in their lives to make them react the way they did when they saw another person in need. For the third, it was a situation that happened 20 years prior to his heroic act. Something that made him realize that maybe he was put on this planet with a purpose. Whether that message came from his own beliefs or something else. For the first and second, maybe they had something they didn't share because they didn't have the same beliefs as the third, or maybe they weren't fully aware that that was the reason they acted the way they did, and made no connection whatsoever. In any case, the information gathered in radiolab really does show that not everybody is built with kindness, or with the same levels of kindness as others, and it certainly is just a matter of circumstance.
Jordan Weaver
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
As Radiolab stated, living things feel the need to preserve their DNA. If a family member is in danger you're compelled to save them because even if you were to die in the process, that family member would still carry a large portion of your DNA. The desire to help others exists with non-relatives as well, and it is also biologically driven. Kindness comes not only from the need to protect your own genes but the genes of your species as well. When desperate, amoebae will group together and kill 20% of themselves so that the majority can survive. If they never made these sacrifices they would surely die out. Without compassion and the urge to help one-another it would be impossible for communities to thrive.
When asked, the majority of those who have committed heroic acts did not know what caused them to behave the way they did. There was no thought process that led to their decisions to help. They didn't even remember making conscious decisions. That is because their responses were instinctual. Were kindness a learned concept that was conditioned into some people but not others, it wouldn't be so automatic. But because it is something necessary for species to survive the compulsion to aid others is like a reflex. It's in our genetic makeup to behave that way.
It's because of this that altruism can never be completely selfless. It benefits everyone.
Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. Radiolab gave the example of saving family and siblings. That someone will be more inclined to save someone that they share more genes with.
Some people are more kind than others. Examples of people going extra measures to help someone in need, potentially putting themselves in danger, show the impulses of kindness. I believe that everyone has the intention to do good, but only a percentage of the population will actually put themselves in danger to save another person. In the story of the man that saved the drunk teenagers from the burning car, he was not the only one that could have helped. There was other people around him but he was the one that took action.
Kindness is hard-wired into our brains. The Radiolab program provided many examples in support of that statement. Among others, the examples that appealed to me the most was the heroes. The first hero discussed climbed through and electrically charged fence, to attack a raging bull to save a complete stranger. And she did so without a thought to her own personal safety. She only thought that it was the right thing to do; she couldn't just leave the other women there to be killed. The second hero did much the same. He ran out of his house into a burning car to pull out teenagers that had been inside of it. Even though the car was literally melting, and the fire was growing bigger, he still put himself in harms way three separate times to save each teenager. When asked about it, he said much the same as the first hero; that he didn't think about it, just acted. The both felt compelled to act, even for complete strangers. It was just the right thing to do. The third hero was a little different. He was actually able to explain why he jumped in front of a train and laid underneath it to save a stranger. Years previous to that event, he apparently had a gun out to his head, and the trigger was pulled. Fortunately for him, the gun misfired. Since that moment, the third hero had felt as though he had been spared for a reason, to do something, although he did not yet know what. However, when he was miraculously saved, he did not think that he had done somthing correct already to deserve to be saved. He only thought that he had been saved to do something to be kind to others. His instinctual thought on why he had been saved, was that he was meant to do something kind. Kindness is an instinct, and although events and experiences can change ones willingness to perform kind acts, many times it is still sub-conscience.
Kindness is hard-wired into our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
Radio lab went on to say that a human being would save a family member first because of the genes that they share. In a way, being kind isn't just to help the person recieving the kindness, but it helps the person helping out. This is because some people look for the satisfaction they feel after completing the good deed. In other situations, you may not have time to think about the feelings involved. In most scenarios, if you were to see a close friend or family member in harms way, you wouldn't even hesitate to help. But if it was a complete stranger, you might think twice about putting your life on the line for them. Everyone experiences being selfish at one point in time, but you will also experience being kind, because it is hard-wired into our brain.
arrAndreia Todd
1. Kindness is something that is hard wired in our brain. The "Good Show" from Radio Lab introduces Walter Rutkowski who is involved in the Carnige Hero Fund, which gives $5,000 to a hero who risks his or her own life in order to save a life of another. William Pennal, a man who was chosen for the Carnige Hero Fund, was at home one night when he heard a car crash from outside. He quickly ran out to find three teenagers trapped in a car that was bursting in flames. With no shoes an no shirt he still pulled all three drunk teens from the blazing hot car. Later when he was asked why he did it he said it was "what any normal person would do". Not everyone could have the courage to go into a car on fire and put their own life at risk to save three teenagers, but that doesn't change the fact that everyone has kindness. I believe that most people are kind and would like to see the person who is in danger safe, but only a small amount of people are able to channel their kindness into courage and action.
I have had many experiences in my life where people have helped me without taking money or without nothing in return at all. It is a sad idea to think that people don't have kindness hard wired in their brain because that would mean that people only look out for themselves and that life is basically the survival of the fittest. I am one to believe that this is not at all how the world is. George Price committed suicide years after he created his mathematical equation to prove that people ultimately want to save someone with their own DNA so their genes can be passed on, instead of saving someone because of the kindness they have with in them. George Price died after he couldn't prove why is equation was wrong. His equation proved that people couldn't be selfless, and that is what ultimately killed him. Peoples actions cannot be summed up by a mathematical equation. Kindness is something that is within you, something hard wired in our brain that sometimes with the right amount of courage, can lead you to risk your own life to save another.
Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. As some of the people stated in radiolab, it was part of their natural instinct to help, including Mr. Autry who jumped onto train tracks to save a man he didn't even know. He didn't stand there and think to himself, "hmm, what would happen if I saved this person?" or, "what will my consequences be if I decide to jump on these train tracks?". That's because every living creature has been given a sense of survival instint. Even though I think that all of these living creatures are equipped with survival instincts from birth, I also think that they have a certain level and degree of instinct as well. For instance, Radiolab mentions that if a person's sibling(s)were in danger of losing their lives, they would have very strong impulsive instincts telling them to save them. Siblings share 50% of your genes, and therefore, you are automatically more likely to save them over a complete stranger. However, it has been known several times for someone to save a complete stranger (because they carry a higher level of survival instincts. People rush to burning cars to save drunken teenagers, leap on train tracks to save a convulsing man, and they even climb fences to save someone from a bull. How else can this be explained other than with hard-wired instincts?
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains. Like they said in Radiolab, if you have 50% of your sister's genes, and 30% of your cousin's, you are more likely to save your sister. Radiolab also said that if your sibling was dying then you would automatically try to help them without even thinking about it. Humans are drawn to other humans and they care about them. A woman in radiolab said she saved another woman that she didn't even know, when this woman was getting thrown around by a bull. She couldn't walk away when this woman was dying. When a person decides not to help someone in need, they will feel guitly. If you know there is something you can do to help someone and you don't help them and they get hurt or killed, the guilt will eat you alive. Therefore, kindness is hard-wired into our brains. It makes us feel good when we help someone or make them feel good.
1.
Kindness is hard wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
Radiolab's the "Good Show" reveals that humans are more inclined to save someone they share their genes with. For example, radiolab said you have 50 percent of your sister's genes and 30 percent of your cousin's; you are more likely to save your sister's life. Even if that's true, it is everyone's instinct to help anyone in need of help. There was a scenario in radiolab, where a women saw a total stranger getting mauled by a 950 pound bull. Not thinking about the consequences, the women charged through an electric fence to save the stranger's life. This shows that it was instinctual to this women to save this stranger's life. This act of kindness was hard wired in this women's brain. Kindness is everywhere, everyday. We do kind things and don't even realize we are doing them. For example, holding doors open for one another, or even just smiling back at a stranger. We do these little kind things every single day, and don't even think twice about it. Kindness is with in everyone of us and is hard wired in our brains, and someday might lead someone to save a life.
Alexandra Harris
1. Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival.
When listening to the stories from the "heroes" on the Good Show, I realized that no one thought of themselves before they ran to help the people/persons in need. We all have it in us to be kind, but not all display it on a daily occurrence. In the show, one woman ran through an electric fence to save a stranger from a raging bull. She stated that she never once stopped and weighed the consequences... she just acted our of impulse. We see someone in trouble, we run to help; that is how we were made, that is just what we do. But it also comes in question of our character. More often than not many people refrain from stepping out, from being themselves and I think that comes into play when people are put into a pressure situation. The man who helped the drunk teenagers out of a burning car talked about how his neighbors didn't even do anything. People create this mindset for themselves that is almost lazy. It's okay if they don't do anything... because someone else will. When put into pressure situations they are so use to just stepping back and watching that they never think they can be a help too. It is part of who we are, but people tend to lean more on the selfish side, rather than the 'giving up themselves for others' side.
Radiolab explored the origin if kindness, are we born with it? Or is kindness a product of our lives?
Kindness is chiefly a product of experience and circumstance, a quality that is found only in some individuals.
One of the hero's discussed in Radiolab, through himself over a convulsing man on the train tracks as the train was coming. At the time there were many other people at the train station, so why had this one man out of all those people sacrificed himself? He explains that he barely escaped death from a gun misfire. He believed that god had spared him for a purpose, he now knew that purpose was to save that convulsing mans life. If all people were hard-wired with kindness there would have been dozens of people trying to save that man, but there was only one. Whether people admit it or not, they were thinking of their own sake before that mans. There was only that one hero that had the life experience that set him apart from all the people at the train station, in turn saving a life.
The same concept applies to joining the military. People are not born with the hardwired idea that, "I'm going to serve my country in 18+ years,". A lot of the people that join the military, (marines, air force etc.) had at one point been influenced by their parents, school, or other means. They were raised in a strong house hold in which all their family members had been military oriented. Or maybe they were raised to be, "American." What ever the circumstances they did not dream about joining the armed forces while developing in the womb. They simply didn't. Kindness is purely circumstantial.
Danielle Taylor
*Sorry this is so late. I transferred into your class after the 2nd week of school and i have just found the time to makeup the summer homework.*
1.Kindness is hard-wired in our brains, a biological imperative that promotes survival. The radiolab program revealed several examples when a person aids another person it is not necessarily their choice to assert kindness but rather their natural human instinct to do so. Referring to the George Price formula, it points out that humans are more willing to help a person according to the amount of genes you share. Radiolab supported this by giving the example that you wouldn't think twice about saying your sibling if they were in danger but you would if it was a complete stranger. Radiolab isn't saying that you wouldn't help the stranger because you were an unkind person but rather because it is your instinct to not care as much for them as you would own genes. This is only one examples radio lab uses but it does sufficiently provide evidence to the argument that kindness is hard-wired in our brains.
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