Dacher Keltner teleseminar on "Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life"

Dacher Keltner teleseminar on "Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life"

Dacher Keltner | 12.02.08 |

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Author and professor of psychology Dacher Keltner talks with host Marilyn Schlitz about his research on the biological and evolutionary origins of human goodness, with a special concentration on compassion, love, and beauty. His inspiration was Charles Darwin’s work, not the ‘survival of the fittest’ theories but Darwin’s surprising insights into the nature of human goodness.

Dacher tells us of his research observing activation in the Vagus nerve, which starts in the brainstem and is closely connected to oxytocin receptors, which are associated with altruistic feelings. His team’s research has indicated that kids who have robust vagus nerve activity are more likely to break up fights on playgrounds. Dacher shares a little about the Berkeley Greater Good Science Center, where he serves as director and co-editor of the center’s magazine, Greater Good. In January, 2009, his new book that chronicles this research will be published: Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life.

Dacher Keltner teleseminar on "Born to Be Good: The Science of a Meaningful Life"

Spoken Word

Part 1 | 00:58:59

Born to Be Good | mp3