I have started reading a book 59 Seconds by Professor Richard Wiseman, recommended by my mentor Narasimhan. There was an experiment done in US on what brings us happiness. I have quoted below a small snippet on scientific proof that our happiness increases when we help others.
Quoted Text Begin: 59 Seconds - Page 27 - 28
Neuroeconomist William Harbaugh and his colleagues from University of Oregon gave participants $100 in virtual bank account and asked them to lie down in brain scanner. Participants first saw some of their money being given to help those in need via mandatory taxation, and were then asked to decide whether to donate some of the remaining amount to charity or keep it for themselves.
The scanning results revealed that two revolutionarily regions deep in the brain - the caudate nucleus and the nucleus accumbens - became active when participants witnessed some of their money going to those in need, and were especially busy when they donated money voluntarily. These two brain regions also spring into action when our most basic needs are met, such as we eat tasty food or feel valued by others, suggesting a direct brain-based link between helping others and happiness.!!!!
Of course, you might argue that you really don't have enough money to donate to others. However, once again, help is at hand. A few years ago, happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky and her colleagues arranged for a group of participants to perform five non-financial acts of kindness each week for six weeks. These were simple things, such as writing a thank-you note, giving blood or helping out a friend. Some of the participants performed one of the act each day, while others carried out all five on the same day. Those who performed their kind acts each day showed small increase in happiness. However, those who carried our all their acts of kindness in just one day each week increased their happiness by an incredible 40 percent!!!.
Quoted Text End: 59 Seconds - Page 27 - 28
It only proves that we are very happy when we help others!!!! (Financial or Non-Financial)
Quoted Text Begin: 59 Seconds - Page 27 - 28
Neuroeconomist William Harbaugh and his colleagues from University of Oregon gave participants $100 in virtual bank account and asked them to lie down in brain scanner. Participants first saw some of their money being given to help those in need via mandatory taxation, and were then asked to decide whether to donate some of the remaining amount to charity or keep it for themselves.
The scanning results revealed that two revolutionarily regions deep in the brain - the caudate nucleus and the nucleus accumbens - became active when participants witnessed some of their money going to those in need, and were especially busy when they donated money voluntarily. These two brain regions also spring into action when our most basic needs are met, such as we eat tasty food or feel valued by others, suggesting a direct brain-based link between helping others and happiness.!!!!
Of course, you might argue that you really don't have enough money to donate to others. However, once again, help is at hand. A few years ago, happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky and her colleagues arranged for a group of participants to perform five non-financial acts of kindness each week for six weeks. These were simple things, such as writing a thank-you note, giving blood or helping out a friend. Some of the participants performed one of the act each day, while others carried out all five on the same day. Those who performed their kind acts each day showed small increase in happiness. However, those who carried our all their acts of kindness in just one day each week increased their happiness by an incredible 40 percent!!!.
Quoted Text End: 59 Seconds - Page 27 - 28
It only proves that we are very happy when we help others!!!! (Financial or Non-Financial)
Dear Sharath,
ReplyDeleteThat is a really nice piece.....and very true. We are social creatures and our biology itself is geared towards helping others and seeking a higher purpose.
Thanks a lot for that article.
Best Wishes.
T.Sriram Rao
Thank you Sriram.
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