The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness by Dacher Keltner

For many centuries, philosophers, theologians, and moralists have ruminated on the concept of human goodness, pondering the source of its inception and persistence. Are humans naturally attentive to being and doing good, or are they inherently callous and self-serving? According to Dacher Keltner in his book The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness, the former may be true and the instinct runs deep.

Keltner, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley whose research focuses on moral and emotional development, contends that humans have a powerful, nearly instinctive capacity for compassion, Goodness is something that has been present throughout human history, from the dawn of civilization to the present day. He argues that in order to truly understand the phenomenon of human goodness, one must look beyond traditional statements of moral virtues and examine the scientific evidence that points towards humans having a compassion innate to their species.

Keltner draws on evidence from his own research, as well as the research of other scientists, to explore the complexities of human goodness and the biological and evolutionary roots of this essential human characteristic. This evidence, along with his own observations, is used to support his contention that humans have a natural, even instinctive capacity for compassion, and that this is something that has been present since the dawn of humanity.

Throughout the book, Keltner examines the neurological basis of human goodness and compassion, delving into how these virtues manifest in biology, neurology, and genetics. He explains the range of different peptides and brain structures that are associated with the presence of these virtues. He also speaks to the role of childhood experiences and environment in affecting the development of these neurons and brain structures, as well as the related psychological processes.

Keltner also provides commentary on how human society and culture have developed over time in light of these neurological findings, and how this has shaped our perceptions and reactions to others. The book contains an analysis of how media, entertainment, and even politics have contributed to the hostility and violence present in society and have undermined our ability to cultivate and nurture the compassionate instincts. In the end, the book suggests that in order to reach lasting solutions to the challenges and suffering that exist in our world, we must begin to recognize and honor our compassionate instincts.

The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness offers an informative and thought-provoking look at the science of human goodness and compassion. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach that draws from biology, psychology, sociology, neurology and more Keltner brings together a wealth of research to paint a vivid picture of how and why humans are compassionate and why it is so critical to our existence. The book is a powerful reminder that the instinct to care, to do good, and to create a better world is one of our most potent weapons to combat injustice, inequality, and suffering.