You’ll never be the kind of person who cares enough to risk or sacrifice something important on behalf of someone else if you can’t empathize with people who are different from you. You likely think you’ll do the right thing when the situation demands it but you’re likely wrong.

I spend a lot of time teaching about the concept of empathy and, especially, about the importance of working to expand your sense of who “counts” as being “like us.” Seems like some people not only don’t understand the concept but also don’t have the slightest interest in it.

@HIPorg As he and I made it to the other side of the street he gave me a glance that silently said “that was almost very bad”. I told him that he probably saved a life today. I hope that guy has a nice day.

In our hero training at @HIPorg we explain that one of the barriers to heroic action is simply not being aware that it’s necessary in the moment. We teach small but affective ways to build the habit of noticing our surroundings and the people around us.

Had he not I was already about to but had we not been aware of our surroundings we’d have witnessed something horrible. It’s easy to be in our own little world as move through our day. It’s easier to not notice the people around us than it is to notice them.

A young gal checking her phone must have noticed us walking and without looking up started crossing the street. Where and when she started she absolutely would have been hit by this car. Right as she took her first step he gently tapped her elbow and her surroundings became clear

He and I were crossing a street before the crossing light changed. We had plenty of time. As we were half way across the street a car came into sight, moving quickly enough that other pedestrians should have waited.

Props to the guy in Melbourne who I just watched save someone from being hit by a car by tapping her on the elbow

25 yr old pizza delivery man runs into burning house, saves four children who tell him another might be in the house. He goes back in, finds the girl, jumps out a window with her, and carries her to a cop who captures the moment on his bodycam.

People are more likely to follow the actions of the group around them. Once this person steps forward to help you see others jump in as well. Similar to that viral video of the person dancing alone on the hill at the concert. It’s easier to act when you see others acting.

@HIPorg Joe Delaney. The hero of the @Chiefs

❤️💛❤️💛

https://t.co/bwoa8Og6E9

A seventh grader in Michigan is being praised as a hero for preventing his school bus from crashing after his bus driver lost consciousness, according to a school official. https://t.co/mlxKQuyLzP

So excited that this paper is out (at long last) with thanks to @NSF and the Kuno Foundation for their support. For the first time ever, we test SIX populations of rare, extraordinary altruists to see what distinguishes them from typical adults. 1/

Happy 90th Birthday to our founder @PhilZimbardo

💚💚💚

Another fantastic day with @HIPorg, discussing new research on heroic behavior. Our academic partners from Portugal, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, and across the US are brainstorming with us about upcoming collaborative research projects and grant proposals to support the work.

An absolutely fantastic evening with the entire @HIPorg crew, celebrating the big Nine-Oh with the legendary Dr. Z!

1/3 Last week all @hiporg Hero Club members had the honour of e-meeting Dr @PhilZimbardo, a renowned social psychologist and @Stanford Professor Emeritus.