Our brains focus on threats rather than kindness, but good people are the norm. Research proves it. Noticing everyday decency doesn’t just feel nice—it rewires our brains to see more goodness everywhere.
The story
Ever notice how we focus on that one rude driver but miss the many who let us merge? Our brains love spotting threats over kindness.
But goodness is everywhere if we look.
Yesterday, I saw a teenager help an elderly woman with groceries. No phones out, no social media moment – just being decent. Later, a stranger held the elevator and asked about my day like they actually cared.
These aren’t special events – they’re the normal threads holding society together. Research shows most people return lost wallets, especially ones with more cash inside [weird but true]. During disasters, the news shows looting while quiet volunteer networks do the real work.
I’ve been thinking about this while reading “A Practical EmPath” by Scott Howard Swain. He shows how noticing the goodness around us isn’t just nice – it changes us. When we train ourselves to spot these small acts, we literally rewire our brains.
What’s cool is this isn’t just feel-good stuff – it’s practical psychology. Expect good from others, and you’ll often find it. Notice kindness, and you’ll see more of it.
Maybe believing people are basically decent isn’t naive after all. Maybe it’s the most realistic view there is.
