Overview of How to be an altruist with 'Try This'
This episode (part one of a two-episode mini-course) from The Washington Post podcast Try This—hosted by Christina Quinn—explores what altruism is, what distinguishes extreme altruists, and practical ways anyone can grow more generous. Neuroscientist and psychologist Abigail Marsh (Georgetown University) guides the episode with personal stories and research insights, showing altruism is both grounded in brain/ personality differences and amenable to practice. The episode ends with a short sponsored segment from the Michael J. Fox Foundation about giving and getting involved in Parkinson’s research.
Main ideas and findings
- Definition: In psychology, altruism is helping behavior motivated by the intention to help another person (not an indirect or self-serving reason).
- Abigail Marsh’s personal near-death encounter motivated her research into why strangers act selflessly.
- Extreme altruists (e.g., anonymous living kidney donors, humanitarian rescuers) share measurable traits:
- Larger amygdala and greater sensitivity/reactivity to others’ distress; better recognition of fear.
- Lower selfishness and greater humility—many report decisions (like donating a kidney) felt intuitive or obvious.
- More positive views of people; many are regular blood/bone marrow donors and do other pro-social acts.
- Altruism is human and ordinary—not supernatural; altruists still get angry, have flaws, and range in other behaviors.
- Altruism can be strengthened like a muscle—small habits and intentional planning increase follow-through.
Research highlights
- Brain: MRI studies showed larger amygdala in altruistic kidney donors compared with average; amygdala is key for processing emotional cues like fear.
- Personality: Extreme altruists tend to be less self-centered, more humble, and view others more positively.
- Behavioral clustering: Those who make major sacrifices often already engage in smaller pro-social acts (blood donation, volunteering), suggesting a pathway to larger acts.
Practical tips & action items (how to become more altruistic)
- Start small: pick an easy, intuitive act (pick up neighborhood trash, give spare change, donate blood).
- Make it enjoyable: choose giving forms that fit your personality (extroverts may prefer social volunteering; lovers of beauty may prefer community cleanups; animal lovers can help shelters).
- Align with values: support organizations and causes that personally move you—intrinsic motivation leads to sustainable giving.
- Use implementation intentions: plan specifics (where, when, how, with whom). Example: “This Friday at 3:35 I’ll take bus X to the soup kitchen, stay two hours, and treat myself afterward.”
- Build micro-habits: put your phone away when walking, make eye contact, smile, offer directions or small assistance—tiny interactions increase social trust and community goodwill.
- Social reinforcement: make altruistic friends or join groups to keep momentum.
- Don’t buy the martyr heuristic: altruism need not be suffering; enjoying helping increases likelihood of continuing.
Notable quotes / memorable lines
- “Truly altruistic people just don't think that they're special.”
- “Finding it joyful to help other people is what it means to be altruistic.”
- “Start.” (Advice delivered as the simplest, most important step.)
Michael J. Fox Foundation segment — summary
- Brief sponsored segment with Lisa Boudreau (Chief Development Officer) and Allie Signorelli (patient/advocate).
- Michael J. Fox Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research; founded 25 years ago after Fox’s diagnosis.
- Allie recounts being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s and finding the Foundation’s research studies and Buddy Network life-changing.
- Why give now: scientific progress makes testing and advancing potential cures possible—but funding is expensive.
- Ways to help: donate (average gift cited around $50), participate in research (e.g., Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative), volunteer, host fundraisers.
- Small donations add up—collective contributions can materially affect research momentum and patient lives.
- Call to action: michaeljfox.org for donations and involvement (timely ask linked to Giving Tuesday).
Episode logistics & credits
- Host: Christina Quinn. Producers: Christina Quinn, Taylor White; additional production and editing credits included in the episode.
- Format: short audio course — this episode is class 1/2; next episode will cover detailed, practical tips on giving (money/time/volunteering).
- Recommendation: follow Try This in your podcast app for the second episode and practical giving strategies.
Quick takeaway (one-sentence)
Altruism combines neuropsychological sensitivity to others with humble, habitual choices—and anyone can increase their generosity by starting small, choosing forms of giving that feel rewarding, planning concrete actions, and building simple social habits.