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The Compassionate Instinct: The Science of Human Goodness Original Edition

by Dacher Keltner (Editor), Jason Marsh (Editor), Jeremy Adam Smith (Editor)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 69 ratings
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Leading scientists and science writers reflect on the life-changing, perspective-changing, new science of human goodness.

Where once science painted humans as self-seeking and warlike, today scientists of many disciplines are uncovering the deep roots of human goodness. At the forefront of this revolution in scientific understanding is the Greater Good Science Center, based at the University of California, Berkeley. The center fuses its cutting-edge research with inspiring stories of compassion in action in Greater Good magazine. The best of these writings are collected here, and contributions from Steven Pinker, Robert Sapolsky, Paul Ekman, Michael Pollan, and the Dalai Lama, among others, will make you think not only about what it means to be happy and fulfilled but also what it means to lead an ethical and compassionate life.

25 illustrations
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  1. ISBN-10
    0393337286
  2. ISBN-13
    978-0393337280
  3. Edition
    Original
  4. Publisher
    W. W. Norton & Company
  5. Publication date
    January 4, 2010
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    5.6 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
  8. Print length
    338 pages
  9. See all details
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4.4 out of 5 stars
69 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and helpful for learning about life. They appreciate the insightful essays and consider it an introduction to philosophical concepts in a relatable way. The book is described as an interesting read with valuable information.

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13 customers mention "Information value"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and helpful for learning about life. They appreciate its humorous and mind-expanding style, examining the potential and propensity of human beings to pursue selfless goals. The topic is important and the essays stimulate discussions.

"Very interesting and helpful book, good for learning about life and maybe an introduction to philosophical concepts but with many real- world..." Read more

"...It is full of essays that tug at the heartstrings ever so slightly and get you to think about how your goodness may be able to make an impact on the..." Read more

"Essays on studies conducted on compassion. It can be challenging to get through because it's very scientific. I bought this for a class I'm taking...." Read more

"...A few of the chapters were very informative, and had actual research to back up points made...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and informative. They say it's interesting and helpful for learning about life.

"Very interesting and helpful book, good for learning about life and maybe an introduction to philosophical concepts but with many real- world..." Read more

"...That's almost all of science though. Worth reading just know it's very technical writing, not a leasure read unless you're into that sort of thing." Read more

"Fabulous essays! Filled with invaluable information. Easy to jump around & read the essays...." Read more

"...It is an easy and satisfying read filled with information based on sound research done by reputable professors and researchers. Don't miss this one!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • david
    5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Very interesting and helpful book, good for learning about life and maybe an introduction to philosophical concepts but with many real- world applications. A bit strong on the evolution stuff for me but still very informational and interesting.
    Helpful
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  • Lucy
    5.0 out of 5 stars There is good in the world. You just need to know how to create it.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Compassionate Instinct is a book you’ll want to read to restore your faith in humanity. It is full of essays that tug at the heartstrings ever so slightly and get you to think about how your goodness may be able to make an impact on the world based on what has been done before you. The book starts from an inward to outward approach in that it focuses on the individual person, then works its way out to relationships and community, and eventually reaches the broader society. The idea is to figure out where compassion lies in each of these areas and see where they can be reached or created.

    One essay in particular struck me to be truly helpful and something I can apply to my own life. Not to be spoiler-y, but one of them is about empathy and partnership in relationships. It inspired me to want to talk to him about our empathy in our relationship and what can we do to improve it. The research presented in this essay was compelling enough to move me to make a change in my relationship.

    One thing to note about the book is that it is more than feel-good stories (although some of them are not that feel-goody). It is backed by research conducted from mainly psychologists or those specializing in psychology but it does include research from political scientists, sociologists, and even biologists.

    I recommend this book to anyone who may have a shred of hope in a world filled with those who manipulate others to get their way or abuse someone’s trust for their own selfish gain. While those things will still exist in this world, The Compassionate Instinct will remind you that there is good as well. You just need to know how to create it.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Azz
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good information
    Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Essays on studies conducted on compassion. It can be challenging to get through because it's very scientific. I bought this for a class I'm taking. I do like the book. Some of the essays bother me a bit because their conclusions are from a patriarchal lense and I can see a potential for harmful assumptions and excuses for bad behavior. That's almost all of science though. Worth reading just know it's very technical writing, not a leasure read unless you're into that sort of thing.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Daphanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars great book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
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    amazing
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  • Naomi
    3.0 out of 5 stars repetitive, and surprisingly negative
    Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book to read for a book club. It is a collection of articles written by various authors and because of that, is repetitive in some areas, and has awkward gaps in other areas. A few of the chapters were very informative, and had actual research to back up points made. Other chapters seemed to have been written simply to fill space. I expected an upbeat book based on the title, but a majority of the articles were written from a standpoint of - yes everyone knows human nature is terrible, but in this one small way, a few people have positive characteristics. I don't feel glad I read this book - there are so many better ones out there.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Chris S.
    5.0 out of 5 stars stunning book!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Full of good science but readily approachable by non-scientists as well, this collection of works by esteemed authors offers little snippets of amazing insights into how humans might become more compassionate. Most of the works are short synopses of larger publications by known experts in their field. The areas covered range from (mostly) the natural and social sciences to (a few on) politics and religion. Each one is quite short, making it easy to get through and grasp their key points, often in a humorous or mind-expanding way. Each is also a complete, stand-alone piece, independent of the others in the book. Poke around, delve here and there, put it aside and come back to it later -- or read them all, almost straight through, as I did. They're wonderful!!! (P.S. Don't miss the intro by Keltner or the final piece by Zimbardo and his colleague -- fabulous!!!)
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Kem
    5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable Advice & Easy to Read
    Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Fabulous essays! Filled with invaluable information. Easy to jump around & read the essays. I’d read one a day, selecting the one of interest each day - not planning to read them all. However, as I checked off each one I read, I found that I read them all! There was only one I did not care for, but all the others were well worth the read.
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  • Psyentist
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Stellar Collection of Insights on Human Compassion
    Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    I highly recommend this book for those studying or interested in positive psychology; it is a multifaceted look at the nature of compassion and how this positive and pro-social emotion impacts our society. It is an easy and satisfying read filled with information based on sound research done by reputable professors and researchers. Don't miss this one!
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • singh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    One of the most impactful books I've ever read, would highly recommend.

    Gives you a actionable steps that you can take.
    Report
  • Terry
    4.0 out of 5 stars Compassionate Instinct
    Reviewed in Canada on January 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    i have not finished reading the book. Up to now I find it good maybe it should be reviewed once I've finished
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  • Athula
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Used book in good condition. Great price thank you
    Report
  • DEALS78
    2.0 out of 5 stars not an easy read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 18, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Couldn't read it , not an easy read .
    Report