Elizabeth Svoboda
Elizabeth Svoboda is a writer in San Jose, CA, and a regular contributor to Greater Good. She is the author of What Makes a Hero?: The Surprising Science of Selflessness. Her newest book, for kids, is The Life Heroic.
Need a Hero? Look Around You
We love to exalt heroic individuals. But in this historical moment, collective heroism is best suited to the challenges we face.
Helping Others Can Help You Cope with Lockdown
In the time of coronavirus, turning outward is a win-win prospect.
How to Stand Up for What’s Right, Even if You’re Afraid
We can prepare ourselves to intervene in difficult situations rather than being a bystander.
If You’re in Danger, Will Bystanders Help?
The bystander effect only tells part of the story.
How to Renew Your Compassion in the Face of Suffering
Mass suffering can make us feel helpless. Focusing on solutions, rather than emotions, may be the way out.
What Happens When We Seek Status Instead of Goodness?
The college-admissions scandal reveals how far we're willing to go in seeking status—but there's a healthier alternative.
