In line with Darwin's emphasis on the importance of cooperation in nature, new advances in evolutionary theory allow us to envision an extended altruism that transcends the ties of family and tribe, and emphasizes the fact that human beings are essentially "SuperCooperators," to use a term coined by Martin Nowak. Evaluating the capacities for...

With the COP 21 taking place in Paris, the tragic events that occurred in the French capital should give us even more determination to enhance our altruism and compassion and include the fate of future generations in our compassion. It has often been said that a politician thinks of the next election, while a Statesman of the next generation....

"No matter who it is you meet, know that they have already walked several times through hell," writes French poet Christian Bobin. Our Parisian brothers and sisters, those who lost their lives, those who were seriously injured, their relatives and all those who were shocked by the tragedy in country that has been at peace for more than half a c...

Is human nature inherently egoistic or altruistic? Despite the violence and conflict that we constantly see in the media, studies show that violence has diminished continually over the past few centuries. Our everyday existence, too, is often filled with cooperation, friendship, affection and care. Scientific investigation over the last...

The practice of mindfulness, based in particular on the method of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and has become immensely successful. Over the last 30 years, it has gained worldwide recognition and interest, not only in the clinical world where it was first applied, but also in educational systems an...

In July, Matthieu Ricard and Mark Tercek, president and CEO of Nature Conservancy and author of “Nature's Fortune: How Business and Society Thrive by Investing in Nature,” engaged in a question and answer dialogue about the benefits of altruism and environmental concerns. Part 2 Tercek: I admire the emphasis on no-nonsense science in your...

In July, Matthieu Ricard and Mark Tercek, president and CEO of Nature Conservancy and author of “Nature's Fortune: How Business and Society Thrive by Investing in Nature,” engaged in a question and answer dialogue about the benefits of altruism and environmental concerns Tercek: I love your new book, "Altruism," and how it dares people to ...

Purmamarca near Juyjuy, Argentina, May 2015

Salinas Grandes, Juyjuy district, Argentina, May 2015 Portugal, Algave coast, June 2015

Monsoon clouds over Nepal.