What Makes a Hero?

The Surprising Science of Selflessness  

"Contrary to conventional wisdom that humans are essentially selfish, scientists are finding that the brain is built for generosity."  

Elizabeth Svoboda

I found an article by Elizabeth Svoboda "Hard-wired for Giving" that explains how the human brain is hard wired for generosity.  According to studies of subjects by Dr. Grafman, MRI's show human beings get the same pleasurable "high" from giving that they do from sex and food, because  the same area of the brain lights up, when a person is giving.  This area has a lot of receptors for the hormone: oxytocin, which promotes social bonding.  

Upon further study of the MRI's by Dr. Harbaugh & Dr. Mayr, they were surprised to find that the areas of the brain that release dopamine lights up when patients give.  This is remarkable.  

The results of these studies show that altruism is inherently rewarding:  "The brain churns out a pleasurable response when we engage in it."  

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