The Brains of Altruistic and Psychopathic People (W/ Abigail Marsh) | How to Be a Better Human | TED
In a thought-provoking TED talk, psychologist and neuroscientist Abigail Marsh explores the fascinating interplay between altruism and psychopathy, drawing on her research at Georgetown University. She begins by recounting a personal encounter with a stranger who heroically saved her life, illustrating the essence of altruism—the selfless desire to help others even at personal risk.
Marsh defines altruism as any behavior aimed at benefiting another’s welfare, contrasting it with psychopathy, where individuals show a profound lack of care for others. Through her studies, she reveals that while altruistic individuals often exhibit humility and empathy, the relationship is complex; altruists may not necessarily empathize more effectively than others, but they genuinely care for everyone’s welfare.
The talk delves into how societal well-being influences altruistic behavior and raises essential questions about why some billionaires, despite immense resources, may not contribute to societal welfare. Marsh emphasizes that understanding empathy, altruism, and psychopathy is crucial in creating a compassionate society.
Ultimately, the discussion invites viewers to reflect on their relationships and encourages cultivating empathy and altruistic behaviors as a pathway to becoming better humans. Marsh advocates for better societal structures and individual practices to enhance our capacity for kindness, asserting that the way to foster altruism is by nurturing well-being and treating others with genuine care.
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Video “The Brains of Altruistic and Psychopathic People (W/ Abigail Marsh) | How to Be a Better Human | TED” was uploaded on 12/03/2025 to Youtube Channel TED