Sometimes we all need a good reminder that no matter what is going on in the world around us, humans are inherently good. According to these science-backed facts, our species is pretty great. Whenever you need an extra dose of positivity, read these facts that will put things into perspective.
1. WE NATURALLY HELP EACH OTHER
Children learn to help one another by giving other kids objects they need, want, or are out of reach by the time they’re 14 months old. Before they turn two, they already know how to share and by three, they recognize when people don’t follow societal moral codes and even object when they see such an occurrence. Kind of amazing, right?
2. REWARDS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT
Studies have shown that a child’s desire to help has nothing to do with an award system and that the chance of three-to-five-year-olds helping out a second time after receiving some kind of incentive actually goes down. They help out because they want to, not because they’re motivated by self interest.
3. WE CRAVE AUTHENTIC FRIENDSHIPS
Humans don’t just enjoy positive interactions with others, we need them. Our well being actually depends on our ability to form authentic friendships and making close connections. We’re feeling better already.
Our well being actually depends on our ability to form authentic friendships. (Lopolo / Shutterstock.com)
4. WE’RE ALSO MEANT TO FALL IN LOVE
The body releases dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine (those chemicals that give us all the warm and fuzzies) which make your heart skip a beat and create that amazing distraction feeling we all get when we’re falling in love. In other words, humans were built for romance.
5. WE GENUINELY VALUE HONESTY
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame asked subjects to avoid telling even the tiniest fibs, while another group received no instructions about lying. By the end of the study, the no-lie group experienced far fewer mental and physical health issues.
6. HUMANITY LOVES TO HUG
Who knew that hugging is such an excellent stress reliever? When we hug someone, the body releases hormones like oxytocin (the same hormone that helps new mothers bond with their babies), which helps to lower blood pressure. The power of human contact can work wonders on a stressful situation. Talk about a feel good moment.
The power of human contact can work wonders on a stressful situation. (Antonio Guillem / Shutterstock.com)
7. SMILING IS A BASIC HUMAN INSTINCT
Just try not to smile after reading this fact: during the 2004 Summer Paralympic Games, researchers discovered that blind athletes changed their expressions – within a specific context – in the same way non-vision impaired athletes did. Because the blind can’t rely on visual cues, the findings suggest that no one learns the expression, we’re born knowing how to smile.
8. HUMANS ARE EXTREMELY RESILIENT
Even through all of life’s ups and downs, humans prove to be resilient over and over again. We’re hardwired to be able to move past traumas, whether we address the challenge on our own or seek help.
9. WE’RE NATURALLY GIVING
As much as we believe in treating ourselves, spending money on others makes the giver much happier. We’re not an innately selfish species at all! Clearly we’re on the right track here.
