1 - Introduction

Summary

When we open a newspaper or turn on the television or radio, we are bombarded with news about human violence, cruelty, and injustice: Racial conflict in South Africa, wars in Central America and the Middle East, terrorist attacks, hijackings, savage crimes - such are the recurring themes that dominate the news. History seems to be repeating itself endlessly; human history is replete with instances of inhumanity: war, torture, genocide, racial brutality, and crime.

Also in the news, although perhaps less prominent, are stories of large and small acts of helping, sharing, and kindness. During World War II, many people in France, Poland, and other countries risked their lives by welcoming and rescuing Jews and other victims of the Holocaust (Hallie, 1979; Oliner &Oliner, 1988). Less dramatic, but more common, are news stories about needy families or abandoned children who are generously helped by people who hear about their plight. The story of people who worked feverishly to save a young child trapped in an underground pipe in Texas recently was reported nationwide, and stories of heroes who save others during fires or other mishaps are not uncommon.

Given the prevalence of both violent and altruistic acts throughout history, questions arise about what is fundamental in human nature. What traits and behaviors are inherent in humanity? Are humans basically aggressive and violent, or are they basically kind and decent?

In complex societies such as our own, it is evident that there is a wide spectrum of individual differences in nearly all personality traits and patterns of social behavior.