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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."
Germany and Austria are both examples of countries that have near-manitory taxes based on what religion you are a member of. The taxes are collected based on a percentage of your income, and go to the religious organization that you are registered as a member. You can register yourself as being non-religious and then pay nothing, but you will be officially excommunicated from your church.
For a quick overview of this there is a nice WikiPedia entry.