RITA CARTER IS A SCIENCE LECTURER, BROADCASTER AND WRITER WHO
SPECIALISES IN THE HUMAN BRAINto other volunteers, or withhold it from them, while having
their oxytocin levels monitored. Those with the highest
oxytocin levels gave away the most, and the act of giving
raised their oxytocin levels further. Recipients also
experienced a rise in oxytocin, which in turn prompted
them to give away more. The escalating hormones
mirrored a virtuous spiral of altruism. To add to the good
news, other studies have linked high oxytocin levels to
better health, including faster healing of wounds.
Putting oxytocin in the water supply is unlikely to cure
society’s ills, however, because the hormone has a dark
side. While high levels increases someone’s kindliness
towards others that they perceive as being ‘one of them’,
it makes them less well-disposed to those they see as
outsiders. The same chemical that kindles the best traits
in humans may also be the one that kindles the worst.
Still, let’s end on an oxytocin-rising note. People buying
books in various parts of the UK were recently astonished
to find £5 notes tucked between the pages of their
purchases. The money was accompanied by a note
saying: “Hi, if you are finding this money then know the
Universe is smiling at you today. Enjoy a cuppa on me or
pass it along to give another a smile to someone else!
Have a great day!”
One recipient, Chris Topping from Liverpool, said the
note did indeed leave him smiling all day and he decided
to do something meaningful with the money.
“We bought some sandwiches and drinks for a few
homeless lads and lasses on the way home to pay it
forward,” he said. “I see a few homeless people in the
same spot on a regular basis, so I thought I’d buy enough
for all of them.” All together now: “aaaahhhhhhh!” ßStudies have linked high oxytocin
levels to better health, including
faster healing of wounds
ILLUSTRATOR: KYLE SMARTSCIENCE