Subscribe now

Humans

The kindness paradox: Why be generous?

Humans are one of the rare animals to be altruistic. An ancient form of giving holds secrets about why we help one another without any promise of reward

By Bob Holmes

10 August 2016

Mongolian herders

Mongolian herders can expect help from their neighbours

Taylor Weidman/LightRocket via Getty Images

LIFE isn’t easy as a Maasai herder on the Serengeti plain in eastern Africa. At any moment, disease could sweep through your livestock, the source of almost all your wealth. Drought could parch your pastures, or bandits could steal the herd. No matter how careful you are, or how hard you work, fate could leave you destitute. What’s a herder to do?

The answer is simple: ask for help. Thanks to a Maasai tradition known as osotua – literally, umbilical cord – anyone in need can request…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop