Greater Good

Why would human evolution have given us music? New research says the answer may lie in our drive to connect.

Our new and deeper understanding of human development is reshaping how we think about education.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

A new study explores why sharing emotional experiences—even negative ones—makes us feel better

A new book argues that empathy can be a radical force for social change.

A Q&A; with Dr. Helen Riess of Harvard Medical School about her efforts to nurture empathy among health care workers.

Four new studies reveal how having power affects your willingness to walk in your partner's shoes.

Why did a group of fourth graders rally in support of an undocumented classmate while the citizens of Murrieta, California, tried to stop immigrant children from entering their town?

What would make you more likely to reduce your carbon footprint: Knowing that climate change is a threat to people—or to birds? New research has some surprising implications.

Why do so many people take the side of bullies over their victims? The answers might surprise you.

Rick Hanson says we have a lot to gain by cultivating the ability to see other people's pain.

The answer is no, according to a new study. Social contact matters more than genetics in determining who gets help and who doesn't.

Charles Darwin argued that we can detect someone’s emotional state by looking at her face. Does new research prove him wrong?

A recent study reveals unexpected similarities between the emotional lives of human and ape kids—bound together by the quality of parenting.

Humans brains are very attuned to what others are thinking, feeling, and planning—but a new book explores when our “mindreading” powers can lead us astray.

Parent donations can widen inequities between public schools. What can we do to motivate affluent parents to charitably support all schools, not just their own?

Neuroscientist James Fallon discusses the psychopathic brain, prospects for detection and treatment, and his own struggles to feel empathy and compassion for others.

Leaders guide attention. But a single-minded focus on goals can run roughshod over human concerns, says Daniel Goleman.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

Paul Zak's research is uncovering how stories shape our brains, tie strangers together, and move us to be more empathic and generous.

Greater Good's editors pick the most thought-provoking, important, or useful nonfiction books published this year on the science of a meaningful life.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

Our new and deeper understanding of human development is reshaping how we think about education.

Why would human evolution have given us music? New research says the answer may lie in our drive to connect.

A new study suggests how we can reap greater emotional rewards from helping others.

Neuroscientist James Fallon discusses the psychopathic brain, prospects for detection and treatment, and his own struggles to feel empathy and compassion for others.

Paul Zak's research is uncovering how stories shape our brains, tie strangers together, and move us to be more empathic and generous.

A new neuroscientific study shows that compassion training can help us cope with other people's distress.

A new study finds that training in compassion makes us more altruistic—and explores the neuroscience behind why.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

Spoiling for a fight with your partner? Before you start, think about how well you or your partner slept the previous night.

Charles Darwin argued that we can detect someone’s emotional state by looking at her face. Does new research prove him wrong?

Research suggests that experiencing awe helps kids focus less on themselves and more on the world around them.

A new study suggests that training teachers in mindfulness not only reduces burnout but also improves their performance in the classroom.

A Q&A; with Dr. Helen Riess of Harvard Medical School about her efforts to nurture empathy among health care workers.

A new book argues that empathy can be a radical force for social change.

Compassion research is at a tipping point: Overwhelming evidence suggests compassion is good for our health and good for the world.

A new study explores why sharing emotional experiences—even negative ones—makes us feel better

The vulnerability of our children transformed human relationships, argues Dacher Keltner, and made compassion essential to our survival.

Tips for keeping cool and being kind to yourself, even in the midst of a stressful situation.

Leaders guide attention. But a single-minded focus on goals can run roughshod over human concerns, says Daniel Goleman.

Facebook is confronting cyberbullying and online conflict. Can a team of researchers help boost kindness among the site's 900 million users?

Research suggests that experiencing awe helps kids focus less on themselves and more on the world around them.

What Mitt Romney’s “47 percent” video reveals about the links between inequality, compassion, and happiness.

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

How can both parties work together after President Obama's re-election? Psychologist Jonathan Haidt offers some hard advice for liberals and conservatives.

Why SEL is a necessity for children of every background.

The vulnerability of our children transformed human relationships, argues Dacher Keltner, and made compassion essential to our survival.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

Tips for keeping cool and being kind to yourself, even in the midst of a stressful situation.

Mindfulness is more than just moment-to-moment awareness, says Shauna Shapiro. It is a kind, curious awareness that helps us relate to ourselves and others with compassion.

Is your kid a bully? Even if you’ve taught your children right from wrong, sometimes the kids of kind and compassionate parents can still be…mean. Rona and I discuss strategies for raising children who don’t bully others.

More and more educators are helping kids develop empathy—and a recent contest highlights some of the most inspiring projects.

A new study suggests it does, at least when practiced in a group.

A new book explores extreme differences between parents and children—and in so doing, reveals how we can all find empathy, resilience, and meaning in life's most difficult experiences.

A new study suggests how we can reap greater emotional rewards from helping others.

Why would human evolution have given us music? New research says the answer may lie in our drive to connect.

Our new and deeper understanding of human development is reshaping how we think about education.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

A new study explores why sharing emotional experiences—even negative ones—makes us feel better

A new book argues that empathy can be a radical force for social change.

A Q&A; with Dr. Helen Riess of Harvard Medical School about her efforts to nurture empathy among health care workers.

We can cultivate empathy throughout our lives, says Roman Krznaric—and use it as a radical force for social transformation.

Facebook is confronting cyberbullying and online conflict. Can a team of researchers help boost kindness among the site's 900 million users?

Paul Zak's research is uncovering how stories shape our brains, tie strangers together, and move us to be more empathic and generous.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

The most surprising, provocative, and inspiring findings published this past year.

Research suggests that experiencing awe helps kids focus less on themselves and more on the world around them.

An interview with best-selling author Daniel Goleman about his new book, Focus.

A new neuroscientific study shows that compassion training can help us cope with other people's distress.

Tips for keeping cool and being kind to yourself, even in the midst of a stressful situation.

Leaders guide attention. But a single-minded focus on goals can run roughshod over human concerns, says Daniel Goleman.

What Mitt Romney’s “47 percent” video reveals about the links between inequality, compassion, and happiness.

Brooke Dodson-Lavelle explains how a trailblazing compassion training program expands children's natural capacity for empathy and kindness—even toward so-called "bullies."

Compassion research is at a tipping point: Overwhelming evidence suggests compassion is good for our health and good for the world.

Mindfulness is more than just moment-to-moment awareness, says Shauna Shapiro. It is a kind, curious awareness that helps us relate to ourselves and others with compassion.

A new study suggests that training teachers in mindfulness not only reduces burnout but also improves their performance in the classroom.

Why would human evolution have given us music? New research says the answer may lie in our drive to connect.

Greater Good's editors pick the most thought-provoking, important, or useful nonfiction books published this year on the science of a meaningful life.

A new study finds that training in compassion makes us more altruistic—and explores the neuroscience behind why.

Why SEL is a necessity for children of every background.

Four new studies reveal how having power affects your willingness to walk in your partner's shoes.

Our new and deeper understanding of human development is reshaping how we think about education.

The vulnerability of our children transformed human relationships, argues Dacher Keltner, and made compassion essential to our survival.