Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Whenever I have given to others in their time of need, I feel a wholeness within. If I revert and act selfishly, my stomach turns into knots. It proves that I've been wired that way. :-) Thoughts?

What an interesting addition Robyn, if you consider that the brain is a series of checmical and electrical interactions. You raised awareness here of chemicals such as serotonin that fuel generosity and kindness -- while chemicals such as cortisol fuel self centerness over time. Those chemicals hit the stomach and power the brain interactively -- making what you suggest here very real! Thanks for shawing and living another angle!

The research cited fails to make the argument that the brain is hard-wired for fair play; instead, it merely suggests that there is a unique neural pattern for altruistic actions. That would imply that there is an equally unique pattern for malicious and/or selfish action. What really determines which of those two brain patterns emerges as dominant for an individual has more to do with culture, upbringing, psychology and personal aims than neuroscience.

That isn't to say that there aren't very real rewards for good behavior. But for many, as evidenced by our popular preoccupation with the self and its indulgence, those rewards are either inadequate or invisible.

The bigger question (for me) is how to deepen our commitment as a society and as business leaders to the rewards of Principle-Powered action rather than selfish and callous action.

Amie Devero
Author of Powered by Principle: Using Core Values to Build World-Class Organizations

Thanks for stopping by Amie - and for your thoughtful insights! You are right ... "The research cited fails to make the argument that the brain is hard-wired for fair play; instead, it merely suggests that there is a unique neural pattern for altruistic actions."

This is initial research with huge implications for thinkers who care about this topic.

You are also correct that this could imply that there is an equally unique pattern for malicious and/or selfish action.

And there are many related questions of interest such as your notion that ... "What really determines which of those two brain patterns emerges as dominant for an individual has more to do with culture, upbringing, psychology and personal aims than neuroscience."

Loved your own question about ... how to deepen our commitment as a society and as business leaders to the rewards of Principle-Powered action rather than selfish and callous action. Brilliant -- and many of us share your interest and concern!

Now I will look for ... Amie Devero's book, Powered by Principle: Using Core Values to Build World-Class Organizations

Thanks for letting us know it's out there! I've added it to my next list to pick up.

The information revealed in Dr. Weber's research does in fact facilitate a further understanding into some most influential workings contained within the amygdala. Question:4 million years old?
However, what is the explanation regarding the exact antithesis of the altruistic pattern of behavior hard wired within this primitive site? Is it not just as hard wired within the exact same site, i.e. amygdala? Vigilantes (small groups of individuals) seemingly can readily supersede the hard wiring into producing incredibly horrendous acts substantiating the equally powerfully acting hard wiring culminating in exactly the opposite pattern of behavior.
Even individuals, if immune to punishment, can orchestrate the antagonistic pattern,"hard wired", just as impressive, too, but entirely the opposite. I believe.
Question:One can not entirely isolate a portion of the brain no matter how primitive. Besides, next question: Did Benevolence or malevolence make our existence possible? Which came first to insure our survivability?
Keep up the difficult search! Biochemical answers apparently are essential to the final answers!
Thanks,
Richard D. Gaither

Thanks for weighing in Dr. Gaither! Like you I too am deeply interested and curious about new findings related to the "most influential workings contained within the amygdala."

Your question certainly trumps any answers I've seen so far! Brilliant -- and yes - it shows me why I too remain curious!

It also intrigues me to have the honor of a thoughtful discussion Online with others who hold similar interests up to the rainbow for another look:-)

I'd love to see this one hand us more answers:-) "Did Benevolence or malevolence make our existence possible? Which came first to insure our survivability?"

Thanks for the encouragement - because I agree that biochemical answers seem to be essential to the final answers, Dr. Gaither

Hi, Robyn,

I was getting ready to write a lengthy comment when I saw that Amie had already reflected a similar take on the "research". I'm glad you noted that this is initial research--although it seems as if Dr. Pfaff believes he has enough info to publish a book. Since I haven't read it, it would be unfair and unethical :-) to make any comments.

As Aimie mentioned, the findings--as well as thousands of years of recorded observation--would indicate a selfish/malicious pathway as well.

The good doctor notes that we "blur our own identity...when we reach out in fairness to others." I don't see here how the connection is made that we believe we are somehow helping ourselves. If that were so, then altruism would not exist and be a lie.

I like Aimie's question at the end, and would pose another: "Do I believe that I am my brother's keeper?" and if so, what can I do to ensure that more of my decisions are consistent with my belief?

Thanks, as always, for getting the conversation going!

Steve, thanks for the comment - and since you folks are all smarter than me -- I am so glad to see perspectives come to light - that I've wondered about for a long time.

So glad it's not just me that can lose sleep over this stuff!

One fact I do know on this one though. If you do a good deed you wire for another of similar traits. This goes for ethical and unethical acts. Now there is another samll factor to toss into the complex mix:-)

Hello Ellen,

I agree with Amie that the jury is still out on this. But the new evidence is intriguing and suggests interesting ideas. She points out that there could be hardwiring in the brain that competes with the "hardwiring" of ethical behavior.

Dr. Gaither's driving the subject to its evolutionary basis and logic seems to me to be the key, here. Both altruistic and selfish behavior, as evidently contradictory as they are, have survival value. But which, when, and is one primary and the other an exceptional variation?

It has always seemed to me that, as you say, the brain's plasticity allows for it to be exercised and strengthened in consciously desired ways, if you are thoughtful about that and disciplined in its application.

Steve's question is the capstone to that thought, I think, implying as it does that it's not enough to muse in a self-absorbed way about these things - you have to practice what you preach to join the choir. On the other hand, the proclivities our brains become hardwired to emphasize over the years says boatloads about the decisions we make - or the way we make them - over time.

Great topic and presentation - thanks!