It has been long believed that humans are inherently selfish, doing whatever needed to perpetuate their own survival. Recently, a study done by the University of California, Berkley suggests that we are evolving toward the more benevolent side of the spectrum. The study by social psychologists suggests that we are evolving to be more cooperative and compassionate in our quest to survive and thrive. Scientists believe that we are successful as a species because of our nurturing and altruistic tendencies as opposed to an ‘every man for himself’ type of mentality. Taking care of our young and those in need is considered our most primal and our strongest instinct, our ability to cooperate as a species has been a large factor in the success of the human race, and the flow continues to head in that direction.

Recent scientific evidence has found that surprisingly, our brains are actually wired to be benevolent. The study, led by UC Berkeley graduate student Laura Saslow and Sarina Rodrigues of Oregon State University, found that people with a particular variation of the oxytocin gene receptor are more adept at reading the emotional state of others, and get less stressed out under tense circumstances. Oxytocin is secreted into the bloodstream and brain promoting social interaction, romantic love, and other positive functions. White studies show that bonding can lead to a longer and healthier life, the question is focused on how these traits ensure our survival.

A study to answer this question came up with the results that those who were more giving and nicer to their peers had a better relationship with them as well as more influence. Those who remained self centered were shunned by their peers and at times even hated. In light of recent discoveries concluding that the human brain is geared toward acts of kindness and the benefits that benevolence yields, scientists are increasingly beginning to wonder why such large amounts of selfishness exists. Positive psychology is being studied at an increasing rate throughout the United States, and there are interesting results pertaining to the study and how it can help cultivate a better society. Studies on children have also concluded that those less geared toward material possessions and competitive activities are more resilient and compassionate adults.

Results of various studies have connected a sympathetic touch with the release of oxytocin and a calming of the body. Scientists have amassed strong evidence to support the theory that humans are wired to be sympathetic and that kindness is our strongest instinct.

Earlier, we covered the You In? campaign that is being launched by Yahoo encouraging visitors to share their acts of kindness. Hoping to perpetuate acts of kindness around the world, this campaign is designed to bring individuals to a centralized location and share the goodness of the human experience. Great idea, no doubt. However, the views of You In? apparently do not necessarily reflect the views of Yahoo and its CEO.

Known for her off color comments and brutal honesty, Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz told financial analysts Tuesday that the Woods story is “better than Michael Jackson dying”

Apparently it is easier to sell advertising space next to a scandal than a coffin. I guess on one hand Bartz is commenting on a level of honesty that is much more sincere than most corporations, but is that the type of honesty that Yahoo needs? Especially when they’re in the process of encouraging acts of kindness and strengthening bonds between our fellow person?

One view is that the crass comment was a encouragement to be honest, even if it’s not exactly what others want to hear. Inspire those around you by telling them what they might not necessarily want to hear. Tell your wife yes she looks fat in that dress, that your child probably won’t become a professional athlete, about your late night excursions to your mistress’.

A pure idea indeed, but always a terrible idea. Everyone does some heinous things in their lifetime, but there is a time and place to be honest. Bartz may have been underlining some subtext during her speech, but I can’t imagine that being the correct answer for the time. Especially when you’re trying to inspire the world. If she said the whole “God bless Tiger Woods” phrase ironically, it would make a shred of sense, but I don’t believe that to be the case.

I suppose its the nature of the world, and what we hope to change, if even slightly. Even those who are replying to the stories with comments such as “Can we drop the Tiger Woods crap” are guilty as well, as am I. It’s compelling stuff, great for advertising, and I would imagine a cash cow for Yahoo. I would have waited until after the launch of You In?, however to exclaim how great scandal is for business.

Just a thought.

Leading U.S. Newspaper to Offer new Section of Kindness

“Kindness: New Ways we Give and Volunteer” is the latest category in USA Today‘’s commitment to cause-driven content. Curated by Christie Garten, the online community illustrates how acts of kindness and calls for social change are impacting society and offering individuals new ways to contribute. The section will outline steps that individuals are taking to make the world a better place and fresh new approaches to philanthropy.

Including a search engine powered by good2gether, the section will include ongoing coverage of local charities, volunteering, innovations in technology toward a good cause, and all forms of positive involvement. Found at kindness.usatoday.com, the site utilizes all of the social networking tools that USA Today uses in their original format including forums, blogs, commenting, contacting authors directly, and messaging other users. The community based program will let users connect and learn from other readers about how to make a positive impact. USA Today is the country’s leading newspaper, and the focus on positive contact and coverage is sure to make a difference.

Ten advocacy and non-profit organizations have already signed up as supporters of the section including PGA Tour Charities, Ronald McDonald House of Charities, H&R Block, and Samsung; a full list can be found at sharing.usatoday.com. With an average daily circulation of 2.3 million, USA Today and an award winning website, the message of kindness of strangers and love will undoubtedly reach a large number of readers. The first issue includes an essay written by House star Olivia Wilde about what it means to give back, an article of how social media sites are being used to attract people to charitable contributions, and how individuals are serving in their community.

A Horrifyingly Good Chance to get Involved

The Bone Bash is an event that will offer food, live music, giveaways, and much more to benefit those who suffer from Arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation is an organization committed to the education, prevention, and research of Arthritis. The Royal Oak Music Theater will host the Detroit installment of the event offering guests food, drinks, art, and the opportunity to donate to a worthy cause. Over 2.5 million adults and 10,300 children in Michigan suffer from Arthritis, costing the state an estimated $56 billion in lost wages and medical costs. The Arthritis Foundation donates 91% of its proceeds to leading Universities, research initiatives, statewide programs, and summer camps designed for Michigan youth who suffer from Arthritis and related diseases.

Bring your best Halloween costume for a frighteningly good time complete with local art, costume contests, and food courtesy of local Detroit restaurants. With Bone Bash event being held all over the country, no matter where you are, here is your chance to enjoy local fare, drinks, and a costume party that will benefit a good cause.

For more information visit the official Bone Bash Detroit site.

London Focuses on Spreading Acts of Kindness Far and Wide

A London program began today in an attempt to eliminate hate within the country. The 1,000 Acts of Kindness Challenge began after attacks on two gay men in the city. The London Urban Services Organization is spearheading the campaign to spread kindness instead of hate. Organized by Meredith Fraser, the program was created after she realized how powerless most people feel in stopping hate.

“These (hate) incidents impact people’s lives daily,” Fraser said.

“Kindness spreads just as easily as hatred does.”

The simple idea is to perform random acts of kindness and focus on what we can all do to help others. Looking at what we can do as opposed to what we can’t do is the key to the already successful campaign. A site is being launched today where participants can register, keep track of their acts of kindness, and see a tabulation of the events at the end of the month.

The point is that being nice to someone can brighten both people’s days, and it doesn’t take much work, Fraser said.

“It doesn’t take a herculean effort to be kind” she said. “It’s free, and anyone can do it.”

For ideas on what you can do to help spread kindness, check out our 22 Random Acts of Kindness that Anyone Can do.

Breakthroughs in Kindness, Generosity, and Philanthropy

It is undoubtedly difficult to find time to make a difference. Life truly can get in the way of helping others and creating a positive impact on the world around us. More than ever, people around the globe need help. An article by Time Magazine has outlined some cutting edge sites dedicated to making a difference worldwide and requiring little time from individuals.

Illustration by Karl Hilzinger

BeExtra.org – A site dedicated to outlining ways to make a big difference requiring just a few minutes of time. The micro-volunteering site uses technology to promote large advancements that anybody can participate in. From taking a picture on your phone of a local park to build a map of where children can play to using your smartphone to view and label photos for digital museum archives, BeExtra.com has hundreds of ways to help even with a full schedule. The site combines the technology which you’ll likely be using anyway to advance society and help others.

BeExtra.org Logo

IfWeRanTheWorld.com – Set to be launched this fall, the site breaks extraordinary causes into the smallest possible tasks. Encouraging users to dream big, the site tackles such issues as curing cancer and ending poverty, and gives individuals small, specific ways to work toward the desired goal. Truly a symbol that the smallest contribution can change the world, IfWeRanTheWorld.com encourages individuals to band together and achieve.

Kinded.com – Random acts of kindness have gotten a technology upgrade thanks to Kinded.com creator Daniel Lubetzky. Participants print kindness cards from the site and pass it on whenever they perform a good deed for another. The recipient of the card can then log on to the site, note where the good deed took place and continue the chain which is mapped out on the site. The myriad of good deeds documented on Kinded is a breath of fresh air in a society that often seems selfish, and some of the chains have even spanned oversees.

kinded card

AllForGood.org – Volunteer opportunities are quite plentiful around town if you know where to look. The problem is that oftentimes the listings are so spread out that it takes much valuable time finding the right listing. AllForGood.org combines the listings of traditional volunteer sites as well as social media sites such as Craigslist and Meetup, putting all of the listings in one nice and neat package.

Kiva.org – Make contributions to franchises oversees and monitor their progress using Kiva. With a minimum of $25, you can help build business in a developing country. There is also Wokai.org which allows micro loans in China. Donate to a good cause and have the piece of mind to know how the process is moving forward.

Kiva.org logo

SocialInvest.org – The site that shows users how to responsibly invest money into worthy causes. The ratio of 1 in 9 U.S. dollars already lie in socially responsible funds, with that number steadily rising. It’s a small step in directing money to the right causes, but a very simple to do.

Purdue Students Making Days Brighter for Students

On the Purdue campus in West Lafayette, Ind., there may not be two more well known people than the compliment guys. Every Wednesday, rain or shine from 12:30-2:30 the compliment guys stand outside of the chemistry lab under the bell tower with their ‘free compliments sign’, handing out kind words to all students who pass by.

Sophomores Cameron Brown and Brett Wescott are the guys behind the compliments. They started the practice in September after Brown, who was voted most outgoing in his high school class began the practice on his own. He asked his friend Wescott to join him and since then they have been bringing a smile to the face (usually) of students. They’ve been asked over and over why they are performing this task, and the response is always the same; they just like giving compliments.

In a time of economic crisis and thin job market, the compliment guys are bringing something nice into students lives who may feel a little down and hopeless. Their compliments are met with a mixed variety of responses: high fives, thank-yous, smiles, dirty looks, and the finger. They compliment guys appeared on Oprah in March, and are a great example of how the smallest act of kindness can change lives.