It might be that altruism has a deep hold in the human bosom (probably resulting from the production of a nurturing hormone, Oxytocin, in the hypothalamus and its release in the posterior pituitary gland). Robert Sapolsky (2017) extends his analysis beyond Oxytocin, by adding vasopressin to the potential altruism priming hormones. Like many other primate researchers, Sapolsky notes that homo sapiens are among the weakest and slowest of the primates—and certainly are at the bottom of the line regarding traditional survival skills.
What we as “smart” (sapiens) animals have is a highly developed cortex that enables complex interpersonal relationships to be established and maintained (complemented by an equally as complex communication system). It is with these Ligato-related skills that we humans were able to survive on the African savannah (and elsewhere in the world) for many centuries. We use these skills to form alliances, protective leagues—and the everyday habits of the heart (nurturing, caring and guarding our very week young and our aging and vulnerable seniors). In a survival mode, we set aside our self-interests on behalf of our family’s, group’s and tribe’s welfare and continuing existence. This is altruism and it is a critical feature residing and playing out in any viable human system.
Expanding bubble of belief
While attention is often directed to the way negative belief systems are reinforced and expanded at rallies such as those held in Nuremberg and Los Angeles, there are also many instances where the gathering of people can produce positive results and can help to expand Bubbles of Belief about the purpose and potential of human existence. There are peace rallies where attendees learn more about the history and strategies of peace from the speakers and from other rally participants (perhaps over a cup of coffee or glass of wine following the rally).
The neighborhood effect and balance theory are in full operation: I like people who attend peace rallies and are likely to accept other beliefs they articulate while sipping on the coffee or savoring the wine. I learn about a peace-directed candidate running for office in the next county. I made a small campaign contribution to support her campaign. I find out that there is an article to be read in the Atlantic that I must read. And I do. Perhaps there is even a favorite recipe that my new “friend” suggests, or a coffee bean or wine varietal that I have never considered before. I haul out my pen and paper and take notes.
To return to an actual positive expansion of beliefs experience:
“When I entered the auditorium in Edmonton, I had never heard of Robert Muensch. I had a vague positive attitude about the value inherent in “liberating” children’s books that portray liberated women and a caring attitude about the wellbeing of all people. However, my attitudes expanded and became more articulate about how the books written for children could accomplish these laudable goals. My Bubble of Belief expanded when I witnessed Muench’s insightful observation that the caring we are shown as a child can translate into caring for one’s parents when they grow old.
This was a refinement of my belief that in certain ways we return to a childlike state when we grow old. We often need physical assistance once again when we grow old. I now was offered the powerful image of the older person being physically held by their grown child. And they are being sung to, with a lullaby, just as they did the singing when a much younger parent.
The strength of this expanded set of beliefs was reinforced by the neighborhood effect. I observed many other people, gathered at this auditorium located in another country, hold this same set of beliefs. They came to this auditorium with these beliefs already in hand (actually in heart). These “believers” came to collectively reinforce these beliefs, much as the teenagers in Oakland came to reinforce beliefs extolled by members of the U-2 band. Furthermore, the adults and children in Edmonton gathered to collectively celebrate these beliefs by accompanied Muench when he recited their favorite passage.
At a more mundane level, my knowledge of Robert Muensch’s work expanded from zero to awareness and appreciation for several of his other books. A large collection of these books was for sale on the back table. I bought those about being loved forever, family farts, and independent princesses. When I returned home, I regaled my family with my story about the Muench audience and encouraged members of my family to read these books. I also began ordering copies of these books and giving them as gifts. I was being the “neighbor” who helped to expand the Bubble of Belief held by other people about children’s books, a life of love, a life of courage as a princess (or young girl) – and maybe the life of farts . . ..”
