Born to Give

[3113]

Looks like giving is as much a part of human nature as greed Nice to know this time of year.

WE'VE pored over catalogs, spent hours online, made umpteen harrowing treks to the mall. We've hustled and bustled, been hassled and harried, shopped till we dropped (and dropped lots of cash too). We're stressed as heck, and we're not going to take this any more -- until next year.

If giving Christmas presents is so hard, why do people do it?

Evidence is piling up (like those packages under the tree) that human beings were born to give. Their very physiology makes them do it. Studies show that when a person gives money to a stranger or a charity, the "rewards area" of the brain gets busy. It's the same area that goes to town when the person eats a sugar cookie or finds a parking place at the mall or receives a gift of money from Ed McMahon.

Not only that, but generous people also seem to live longer and stay healthier than those "bah humbug" types, according to population studies. It's even possible (scientists are busy testing this concept now) that the more Christmas spirit shoppers have, the fewer bugs they're likely to catch during the holidays.

Gift-giving, in a nutshell, seems to improve people's health and longevity. It lifts their mood and bolsters their ego. And perhaps most important of all, it makes people beholden to one another, so that when their goose is cooked, they have friends to save their skin. Or so goes the evolutionary theory. "The most important thing I learned in writing a whole book about human relationships is 'give more gifts,' " says evolutionary biologist Jay Phelan, a life sciences academic administrator at UCLA and co-author of "Mean Genes: From Sex to Money to Food: Taming Our Primal Instincts."

A gift doesn't have to be expensive, studies show. It really is the thought that counts -- well, the thought and the pretty wrapping. But just try telling that to Joel Waldfogel. "People are best suited to make choices for themselves," says Waldfogel, a professor of business and public policy at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. The lesson from his own research? Don't give gifts. Give money.

"How is gift-giving as a way of choosing stuff for me?" he says. "The answer is -- it's a crummy way."

Quite apart from the risk of receiving a lime-green polyester pant suit, gift-giving may seem foolish from an evolutionary, struggle-for-survival perspective. By hoarding resources (cashmere sweaters, pricey perfume, peppermint bark) instead of giving them to others you'd probably have more luck passing on your genes. But survival is also helped by generosity of the one-good-turn-deserves-another variety, or the one-nice-gift-deserves-another-of-approximately-equal-value-and-thoughtfulness variety.

That's called "reciprocal altruism," and it has inspired many a mad dash to the mall. "It's a way of buffering yourself from an uncertain future," Phelan says. "You never know when you might need help. When you have friends, you're much better off." Because reciprocal altruism proved valuable for survival purposes, people evolved to feel a basic inclination to be generous and helpful -- and to feel good about it, according to several recent studies

For example, a report published in the November issue of the Public Library of Science's journal, ONE, showed that the inclination to be generous is influenced by the hormone oxytocin. Give people extra doses of oxytocin, and they'll be much more generous than they would be otherwise.

In the study, 68 male subjects were randomly assigned to pairs and then played games in which player A was given $10 and told to offer some of it to player B. If B accepted A's offer, both of them would get to keep their shares of the money. But if B rejected the offer, they were both Scrooged, so to speak. Clearly, it was in A's self-interest to make the lowest offer he thought B would accept. But players who had inhaled a dose of oxytocin offered, on average, 21% more ($4.86) than players who had been given a placebo ($4.03).

Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is naturally stimulated by such things as touching or feeling trusted, and it has been shown to facilitate various social interactions, including the bonding of mother to child. "I think of oxytocin as social glue," says the study's lead author Paul Zak, director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont. "Oxytocin facilitates living in groups."

The scientists conducted other experiments and found that oxytocin doses increased generosity 80%.

Story continues from there here: L.A. Times

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

3113

James Q. Wilson sez there is something to it. He cant put his finger on it, but I think charity generosity and altruism springs from a need to change the world in a positive way. I collect litter and trash because the world looks better when the trash is gone, and the aesthetic appeal is what I like.

 

[impressive]

I think charity generosity and altruism springs from a need to change the world in a positive way.

I agree 100%

 

[amicus]

Season's Greetings all, and since it's me, you prolly know what's coming...

The source of the article being the liberal rag, L.A. times, I was immediately suspicious and rightly so it turns out:

"...But the amount they would get decreased every time they chose to make a donation in support of, or opposition to, one of a wide range of causes (including issues of abortion, the death penalty and nuclear power)..."

The continual assault on the individual continues with the usual media blitz, that lil blurb was on page two of the piece...I stopped reading at that point.

Rational self interest involves giving, of course it does, for many reasons, but not as a genetic or chemical imperative to make the whole fucking world a better place, just another example of social silliness perpetrated by pussies and wimps and the oddball like JBJ.

Charity begins at home, an old saying, and I accept that and raise the anti, and that is where it should stay.

That is not to say that one can not appreciate and donate to such things as thr Red Cross or such things as that too, on an abstract level contributes to self interest as one may need those resources one day.

Giving and choose to whom to give, should be an act of rational choice with self interest paramount as a value, not dumbly responding to some fucking chemical some lefty scientist is exploiting to promulgate an agenda.

Merry Christmas...


Amicus...

 

[starrkers]

Amicus, it never ceases to amaze me how a man who prides himself on his journalistic ethic and ability to root out the truth can be so automatically close minded on so many subjects just because of their source.

Happy New Year.

 

[amicus]

Not doing journalism here, luv, combating ignorance and agenda laden media types has become a hobby of mine...

Hope your holiday down under was smashing...

Ami....

 

[starrkers]

Journailism's a mindset. Never seen someone turn it off to return to a blinkered view before. It's quite fascinating.

My holiday so far has been agreeable, thank you.

 

[amicus]

Journailism's a mindset. Never seen someone turn it off to return to a blinkered view before. It's quite fascinating.

My holiday so far has been agreeable, thank you.

Have it your way, sweetheart, being a female, I know you will, smiles, and yes that is intentional. My only blinder is reality. I am not open to mysticism or fantasy or a woman's subjective point of view on everything, so yes, from your outlook, it would be a blindered view, since you admit that nothing is absolute.

I don't necessarily criticize the female pov, in fact I rather enjoy being around it, I just would not wish to be one.

Amicus...

 

[starrkers]

Have it your way. I don't think sex has anything to do with it, but if that's what keeps you happy.
In another time you'd be shouting down Copernicus and Aristotle as dangerous maniacs.

cheers.

 

[amicus]

Thas not true and you know it, as both were ancient examples of the beginnings of reason and logic....but...it is about to be 7pm here, I think we are 12 hours separated? Thus 7am gives me perspective on your continuing early morning grouchiness, unless it is morning sickness?



ami

 

[starrkers]

And their ideas were radical and howled down by the rational minds of their day as heresy and lunacy.
Today's equivalent is liberality and communism.

Oh, and you're also wrong on the timezone and mood.

 

[lisa123414]

Ami -
Shame on you. You so often claim to take the high road, then you pull this type of nasty comment, meant only to try and inflame your adversary.

Years of reality have taught you to fight dirty. Too bad you do not rely upon your brain....

 

[amicus]

And their ideas were radical and howled down by the rational minds of their day as heresy and lunacy.
Today's equivalent is liberality and communism.

Oh, and you're also wrong on the timezone and mood.

Hmmm 7:03 pm here, 2:03, also pm in Brisbane, so, damn, 19 hours apart? I guess it was a gal in Singapore I used to talk to that I remember being 12 hours apart, hmmm...have to think on that...

secular liberals and communists are the same thing and the definitions of rational minds does not change with time, you are wrong on all counts.

Amicus... or maybe it was a gal in Moscow...sighs, so many women so little time...

 

[amicus]

Ami -
Shame on you. You so often claim to take the high road, then you pull this type of nasty comment, meant only to try and inflame your adversary.

Years of reality have taught you to fight dirty. Too bad you do not rely upon your brain....

Now, lisa, what 'nasty comment' are you referring to? Or is it just a general dislike of all Alpha Males who practice rational self interest amd who wonders why wishy washy sissy females even try to maintain a rational discussion when they just don't have the equipment?

happy new years sweetie pie...

 

[lisa123414]

Asking if Starrkers had morning sickness, come on...

have you got jock itch?

 

[starrkers]

secular liberals and communists are the same thing and the definitions of rational minds does not change with time, you are wrong on all counts.

That's the best laugh I've had in a while. Thank you.

You may be right on one level - rational thinking as always been the preserve of the majority in its time. It was rational to think the world was flat. It was rational to sacrifice to the gods to ensure good harvests and success in battle.

 

[lisa123414]

and another laugh, "sissy females" huh?
oh, and I adore alpha males, do you know any?

 

[Guest]

Now, lisa, what 'nasty comment' are you referring to? Or is it just a general dislike of all Alpha Males who practice rational self interest amd who wonders why wishy washy sissy females even try to maintain a rational discussion when they just don't have the equipment?

happy new years sweetie pie...

Ami, I've had incredible discussions in person with some of the Alpha Males around here. Rational discussions. They have no complaints with my approach, my debate techniques, nor my equipment.

And you're just being pissy.

Merry Christmas, you old grump.

 

[amicus]

Ah, ladies, I know you love me, just lie down and quit fighting, I'll be gentle.


Staarkers, I was referring to the absolute and unchanging definition of 'rational', then and now.

But then, if you are like most, the only absolute your envision is that decided by the majority, so I can see your inability to comprehend a rational thought when you see one...


lisa, 'morning sickness' was just a tad of humor matching what I thought the time of day was in ozzie land...




There, one for each of you, gotta keep the ladies in my harem happy...



ami, the lovable one...

 

[amicus]

Ami, I've had incredible discussions in person with some of the Alpha Males around here. Rational discussions. They have no complaints with my approach, my debate techniques, nor my equipment.

And you're just being pissy.

Merry Christmas, you old grump.

and Merry Christmas to you, you ole nag.



ami

 

[lisa123414]

There you go again, fighting dirty. Among men, aren't there some sort of rules that you keep, where you don't hit below the belt and such, the Queensland (or something) rules?

Why do you have to accuse women of hormones, or call us old, in order to try and get the upper hand?

You accuse women of not using logic, shoot, c'mon you know men are far more likely to fly off the handle when prodded.

 

[starrkers]

Ami: You spout the rational line of your time. It is not wisdom and never has been. It is the blinkered view of the masses, huddling in their foxholes, railing against change.

Lisa: you mean Marquess of Qeueensbury (sp) rules. And I'd rather Ami resorts to below the belt blows. It simply proves he doesn't have the confidence in his argument to fight fair.

 

[amicus]

There you go again, fighting dirty. Among men, aren't there some sort of rules that you keep, where you don't hit below the belt and such, the Queensland (or something) rules?

Why do you have to accuse women of hormones, or call us old, in order to try and get the upper hand?

You accuse women of not using logic, shoot, c'mon you know men are far more likely to fly off the handle when prodded.

~~~

Hi, lisa, I guess the foreplay, or the fighting, common terminology, (movie, cutting edge) is completed now and we can either talk or fuck?

sss calling me an old grump and me calling her an old nag, is one and the same, neither particularly refer to age.

And I imagine the Marques d'Queensbury rules were forumulated by a woman to civilize conflict between men because one never fights unless it is to the death and no holds barred.

I truly love women, lisa, everything about them. I find it objectionable when they choose to be treated as men without dicks; sorry, I ain't buying that.

Hope your holidays have been pleasant thus far and continue that way...

regards...

amicus...

 

[3113]

Lisa: you mean Marquess of Qeueensbury (sp) rules. And I'd rather Ami resorts to below the belt blows. It simply proves he doesn't have the confidence in his argument to fight fair.

Yep. He fights like a girl. Screams like one, too

Then again, I've no idea what he's saying. He's on ignore. I only have time to argue and discuss topics with adults.

 

[amicus]

He's on ignore.

~~~

Y'all think ya could get together and vote on the most ignored poster for 2007, I think I would win that hands down and I would really enjoy the memorabelia, c'mon, gang, how about it?

AMICUS