June 26 – The Evolutionary Roots of Care: Why We Are Wired to Help

“What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it all the rest are not only useless but disastrous.”

Thomas Merton

Think about the last time you witnessed an act of pure care. Maybe it was a neighbor helping an elderly woman carry groceries, a stranger offering a seat on a crowded bus, or a friend dropping everything to be there for you during a difficult time. These seemingly simple gestures illustrate a fundamental truth about our species – we are wired to care. But why? Why, in a world often described as "dog-eat-dog," has this seemingly altruistic trait become such a cornerstone of human evolution?

Caring is not just a cultural or social construct; it is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. As humans, we have developed intricate behaviors that enhance our ability to survive and thrive as a species. Today, we will explore the evolutionary basis for caring behavior, telling how it fosters cooperation, trust, and strong social bonds, which are crucial for survival and reproduction. By looking at examples from both human societies and social animals, we can see how essential caring is for maintaining the fabric of our communities.

Caring behavior in humans has evolved over millions of years, driven by the need to survive and reproduce in a challenging environment. Our ancestors faced numerous threats, from predators to harsh weather conditions, and forming strong social bonds was key to overcoming these challenges. Sebastian Junger, in his book Tribe, emphasizes the importance of this trait: “Humans are so strongly wired to help one another, and enjoy such enormous social benefits from doing so, that people regularly risk their lives for complete strangers.” This instinct to care for others, even those outside our immediate family, has been crucial in ensuring the survival of our species.

Caring fosters cooperation, which is essential for any group of individuals to function effectively. By working together, humans have been able to hunt larger game, defend against predators, and build complex societies. Trust is a fundamental component of this cooperation. When we care for others, we build trust, which in turn strengthens our social bonds.

Junger further explains, “No matter where you are or what you’re doing, the small things matter. Living in society means that everything we do affects others. We are a highly codependent species.” This interconnectedness means that our actions, no matter how small, both positive and negative, have a ripple effect on those around us.

By caring for others, we contribute to a culture of mutual support and cooperation.

To understand the evolutionary benefits of caring, we can look at examples from the animal kingdom. Social animals, such as wolves, elephants, and primates, exhibit caring behaviors that enhance the survival of their groups. Wolves, for instance, live in packs where they hunt together, care for each other’s young, and protect their territory. This cooperation is critical for their survival in the wild.

Elephants are another excellent example. They form tight-knit family groups led by a matriarch, and they show remarkable care for one another. When a member of the herd is in distress, other elephants will come to its aid, displaying behaviors that suggest empathy and concern. These social bonds help the herd navigate challenges and protect each other from predators.

Primates, our closest relatives, also demonstrate caring behaviors. Chimpanzees, for example, groom each other to build social bonds and reduce tension within the group. This grooming behavior is not just about hygiene; it is a form of social currency that reinforces alliances and ensures group cohesion.

In human societies, caring behavior has far-reaching effects on the health and stability of communities. Junger notes, “When we focus on caring for others in times of stress it changes our brain chemistry in such a way that produces feelings of both hope and courage.” This biological response not only helps us cope with stress but also strengthens our resolve to support one another.

Our sense of morality and social justice is deeply tied to our capacity to care. “We evolved and continue to exist, in a physical world that assaults us with threats, but we also depend on a strong sense of morality and social justice to keep our communities intact. And intact communities are far more likely to survive than fragmented ones,” writes Junger. Caring behaviors promote fairness and social justice, which are essential for maintaining harmony and preventing conflicts within communities.

The evolutionary imperative to care is a fundamental aspect of what it means to be human. Our ability to cooperate, build trust, and form strong social bonds has been crucial for our survival and success as a species. By looking at examples from social animals, we can see that caring behaviors are not unique to humans but are a common thread among social species that rely on group cohesion for survival. As we continue to explore the value of caring this week, it becomes clear that nurturing this trait is essential for the well-being of individuals and the strength of our communities.

Activity –

Animal Care Initiatives: Volunteer at animal shelters or participate in wildlife conservation efforts. Observing and supporting caring behaviors in animals can deepen our understanding of empathy.

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.