Are we hard-wired for generosity?

Adults often respond to hungry people, whether through food banks or fundraisers, or by simply handing over their lunch. But how young does the spirit of giving start? New research by the University of Washington Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences finds that altruism might begin in infancy.

                                                                                                                        Kathrin Pienaar
In a study of nearly 100 toddlers who were 19-months old, researchers found that the children gave a desirable snack to a stranger in need, even whey they themselves were hungry. The findings not only show that young tots engage in altruistic behavior, but also suggest that early social experiences can shape that generosity.