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The Drive For Altruism Is Hardwired
Dekortage writes "The Washington Post is reporting on recent neuroscience research indicating that the brain is pre-wired to enjoy altruism — placing the interests of others ahead of one's own. In studies, '[G]enerosity activated a primitive part of the brain that usually lights up in response to food or sex... Altruism, the experiment suggested, was not a superior moral faculty that suppresses basic selfish urges but rather was basic to the brain, hard-wired and pleasurable.' Such research 'has opened up a new window on what it means to be good,' although many philosophers over recorded history have suggested similar things."
So I guess chicks that put a man's sexual interests ahead of her own...REALLY lights up her own pleasure response!!!
I gotta make a note of this one...sounds like material to submit for an investigational grant!!
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.........
what they are saying is people are only generous because it feels good. That is, if it did not give them that feel good feeling, they would not be generous. Thus, everyone is generous for their own selfish purposes. Ergo, everyone is 100% selfish.
Go ahead, try to follow my logic. I dare you.
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Well, I wasn't, but that's because it gave me more pleasure for someone else to get it.
I'm broke; give me money :)
Get off my launchpad!
It is thus logical that a truly superior human will learn to abandon any primitive altruistic tendencies.
âoeAny society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.
The principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others. For those that didnt know.
Since you didn't post this as an AC I think we all know where you stand. : p
This guy's the limit!
If I want to give money to a charity, that's selfish, but by denying my selfish desire and refusing to give to charity, I become altruistic.
these people were obviously conditioned to expect food and sex in exchange for sums of money.
You mean women?
I've tried that bit about generosity being as pleasurable as sex, but the hookers still insist on cash in advance.
Have gnu, will travel.
A discussion of altruism on Slashdot, and no one's quoted from "Star Trek: Wrath of Kahn" yet. Must be 'too obvious'.
[Insert pithy quote here]