Jason Silva on Compassion | Brain Games

Channel: National Geographic
Uploaded by National Geographic on 20140702
Categories: Entertainment
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Jason Silva ponders whether our brains are instinctively empathetic. ➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe ➡ Get More Brain Games: https://on.natgeo.com/2TsW5P4 About Brain Games: Are you ready for a truly mind-blowing experience? The Emmy® Award nominated Brain Games features interactive games and experiments designed to me

This video from National Geographic's "Brain Games" features Jason Silva discussing the psychological and evolutionary roots of compassion.

Core Concepts of Compassion

Innate Instinct: Compassion is presented as a fundamental instinct deeply connected to our humanity [00:05]. It has been a key factor in the success of humans within social groups [00:12].

The Feeling of Connection: Engaging in empathetic behaviors allows individuals to feel less isolated [00:34]. Silva describes a sense of "ecstasy" that arises when one overcomes the perceived sense of separateness between individuals [00:41].

Developmental Origins: Citing psychologist Esther Morell, the video suggests that high levels of compassion are often rooted in early childhood closeness to parents [00:48]. This early bond fosters a heightened ability to feel what others feel [01:04].

The Empathetic Experience

People who are highly empathetic may experience a strong sensitivity to their environment, described as picking up the emotional state of those around them [01:14]. While this can feel overwhelming, Silva emphasizes that it is essential for the acts of generosity and kindness observed in human society [01:23].

Compassion Dynamics

The following diagram illustrates the relationship between early development and social interaction as described in the video:

Plaintext

Early Life Bond

Heightened Attunement

Increased Empathy

+------------------------+

| |

v v

Ability to feel Social Acts of

others' perspectives Compassion

The video concludes by affirming that compassion is a beautiful and necessary component of human interaction [01:29].

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyZtbi9YwZk

Jason Silva on Compassion | Brain Games

National Geographic · 67K views

Viewer Discussion & Comments

@Chamelionroses

I hope compassion can overcome mostly in this world. Thanks again so much for sharing.

@brassmatrass4795

Very nice one, right on!

@malvalper5194

Me encantaria Natgeo en Español excelentes documentales

@gypsyfolkart

Jason, in this video, you mention the closeness to a parent, or parents that have been studied to make people more empathetic. I love all of your videos, however, I must disagree on this section mentioned. I grew up very distant from my parents emotionally. They were into themselves, and their own worlds, for they were very young when they gave life to me. I have been noted as one of the most compassionate persons that people have ran across. I am an artist full time, and paint with the primary goal to heal others with broken hearts. I have the ability to feel pain from a complete stranger, and am usually correct when I approach them. My words and compassion have helped to heal many in my years of life. And I cannot credit any of this to a closeness with my parents. I think some of us are just born to love. Look at the sociopaths that grew up in perfect families, only to be imprisoned as adults. Thanks for reading! And love you and your theories completely.

@mrpandabites

I got about halfway through this video before realising that this dude is not being incredibly sarcastic, he just sounds that way.