http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article6681923.ece
From The Times
July 11, 2009
Want to keep your wallet? Carry a baby picture
Hannah Devlin
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When faced with the photograph of the baby people were far more likely to send the wallet back, the study found. In fact, only one in ten were hard-hearted enough not to do so. With no picture to tug at the emotions, just one in seven were sent back.
According to Dr Wiseman the result reflects a compassionate instinct towards vulnerable infants that people have evolved to ensure the survival of future generations. “The baby kicked off a caring feeling in people, which is not surprising from an evolutionary perspective,” he said.
Scientists argue that it would be difficult to genetically code for feeling empathy exclusively towards your own child and much easier to code for feeling empathy towards all children. If you find a baby alone, there is a good chance it belongs to you, making it an effective evolutionary trait, said Dr Wiseman.
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42% return rate for the planted wallets.
Humm, what would I do?
I’d like to think that I’d be honest and go out of my way to help. But I know I’m a sinner!
Interesting that there is something in our “hardware” or “software” that empathizes with babies.
Finding one alone, fat chance. The gals are usually all over “the baby”. I think the “wiring issue” is more obvious with them.
May all your challenges be as big as you need. I’ll take my “small”; thank you, very much.
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