George Bailey dove into icy water to save an angel—and saved himself. Research explains why: Altruism activates the brain's ...

Psychological research is showing that altruism does exist, an understanding that could lead to a more empathetic world.

The contemporary effective altruism movement seeks to transform philanthropy in two ways: 1) by directing philanthropy to the most important objectives, and 2) by ensuring that philanthropic dollars ...

Four years ago, Angela Stimpson agreed to donate a kidney to a complete stranger. "The only thing I knew about my recipient was that she was a female and she lived in Bakersfield, Calif.," Stimpson ...

A new book explores the science of personality change and how to go about it, if you want to improve your life. Research suggests that children are more generous when they give voluntarily. When ...

A computer model of cultural evolution and between-group competition primed with data taken from studies of mankind's hyperviolent early years suggests a bloody origin for a celebrated modern behavior ...

A new study reveals a potential genetic basis in altruism — or demonstrating selflessness to benefit others — and it does so by looking no further than the common honey bee. According to a recent ...

Among the wealthiest proponents of effective altruism is Dustin Moskovitz, who co-founded Facebook and makes charitable giving decisions with his wife, Cari Tuna. Effective altruism is an intellectual ...

Imagine walking past a pond and seeing a small child struggling in the water, calling for help. Do you go in and save her? Of course! But wait — if you wade in, you'll ruin your expensive new shoes.

How funders undermine their own success. Is your philanthropic practice suffering from delusional altruism? How will you know? Funders may think they’re doing things right when they are, in fact, ...