Since the publication of Amots and Avishag Zahavi's book "Peacocks, Altruism and the Principle of Respect" (The Society for the Protection of Nature, 1996) groups of researchers from various fields such as behavioral biology, brain genetics, brain physiology, behavioral psychology, behavioral economics, psychiatry, biocriminology and others have joined together to verify and establish the place of altruism (altruism) in the evolution of animals.
By: Shimon Bogan
The biomimicry method is considered today, in its broadest context, to be powerful among researchers and developers in diverse scientific communities, when they come to apply approaches of sustainability, resilience and prosperity. These are innovative, systematic and institutionalized methodologies that come to strengthen and advance the realization of the universal human ideal of "Tikhon Olam".
Since the publication of Amots and Avishag Zahavi's book "Peacocks, Altruism and the Principle of Respect" (The Society for the Protection of Nature, 1996) groups of researchers from various fields such as behavioral biology, brain genetics, brain physiology, behavioral psychology, behavioral economics, psychiatry, biocriminology and others have joined together to verify and establish the place of altruism (altruism) in the evolution of animals.
Renowned scientists from all of the aforementioned fields have proven in their studies that the socialization instinct, the feelings of empathy, the impulse to give to others and even the extreme act of sacrifice, are all deeply embedded, literally, in the genetic code and physiology of the brain. These are animals of all species, which demonstrate an automatic and unconscious altruistic drive, as recently explained by Prof. Michael Platt from Duke University.
Behavior that we call "altruistic" is expressed and illustrated by physical signals that can be measured by technological means such as fMRI and electrodes for single neuron activity. Studies have found that loneliness is deeply embedded in the innermost and earliest areas of the brain, in the basal nuclei called the insula and the nucleus accumbens. In all animals, these nuclei together form the "pleasure center" of the brain, by the action of the hormone oxytocin and by the production and activation of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In higher-order creatures, the dopamine signal reaches the prefrontal cortex, where it is translated into emotions and processed in the decision-making process.
All researchers include the above in one cognitive division called the "Reward System". Such a system can be identified and characterized in all animals that exhibit some level of emotion and decision-making. Also, it was found that altruism is managed by the same combination in the brain that produces addictions and achievements.
The studies show that altruistic behavior is a natural instinct and drive, part of the biological evolution of the nervous system in all animals. It is directly related to sustainability, resilience and prosperity.
In decision-making animals, the altruistic behavior can be suppressed by chemical disruption of the "pleasure center" or by cognitive intervention and diversion of the "reward system". Conscious altruistic behavior nourishes and strengthens itself through repeated experience and self-reinforcement, with statements such as "I feel good about myself".
for further reading:
"What Makes a Hero? The Surprising Science of Selflessness"
Dedicated with love to Bati Thom Bogan, whose service to others and contribution to the whole are the essence and purpose of her life.
