Greater Good

Articles: Oxytocin: The Holiday Hormone

New study: People give more when under the influence of oxytocin.

Articles: Seven Tips for Fostering Generosity

It's a time of giving. But can we make giving a way of life, all year round?

Articles: Urban Evolution

A review of David Sloan Wilson's The Neighborhood Project: Using Evolution to Improve My City, One Block at a Time.

Articles: How to Get Doctors to Give a Hand

Study suggests appealing to altruism increases hand washing in hospitals.

Articles: Steven Pinker’s War and Peace, Abridged

If you're curious about Steven Pinker's massive new book, check out this Greater Good essay for a distilled version.

Articles: Steven Pinker’s History of (Non)Violence

The psychologist's latest book, The Better Angels of Our Nature, is essential reading for any reader of Greater Good.

Articles: Kindness Makes You Happy… and Happiness Makes You Kind

New research suggests that once you start doing nice things for other people, you might not want to stop.

Articles: Just One Thing: Feed the Mouse

Rick Hanson explains how to help your brain feel rewarded, satisfied, and fulfilled.

Articles: The Kindness of Squirrels

What adoption in the wild tells us about the presence—and the limits—of altruism in the animal kingdom.

Research Digest Items/Studies: Does Being Drunk, Powerful, and in the Dark Make You Do Good—or Evil?

Videos and Podcasts: Paul Bloom on Sex, George Clooney, and Other Pleasures

The author of How Pleasure Works explains why we do good and how to find true happiness.

Articles: Sex, George Clooney, and the Meaning of Life

Paul Bloom discusses how the psychology of pleasure can explain what we like and why we do good--part of Greater Good's podcast series.

Articles: How Good News Can Inspire Good Deeds

A recent study suggests how acts of kindness can have a far-reaching ripple effect.

Research Digest Items/Studies: Fear of Being Envied Makes People Help Others

Articles: Should Lottery Winners Share with Their Colleagues?

Greater Good's Jason Marsh writes on CNN.com that sharing the latest Mega Millions jackpot might bring the winners more happiness than keeping the prize all to themselves.