Aggression and Altruism – Opposite Ends of Human Behavior

Mind Matters: Exploring Human Psychology · Nov 25, 2025 · 5m

This episode explores two powerful and contrasting human behaviors: aggression and altruism. It explains aggression as behavior intended to harm—shaped by biology (hormones, neurotransmitters, the amygdala), environment (violence, culture, frustration), and learned experience. The episode highlights theories like the frustration–aggression hypothesis and shows how stress, threat, or social pressure can increase aggressive impulses.

In contrast, it presents altruism as behavior motivated by helping others—even at personal cost. Altruism is connected to brain chemistry (like oxytocin)…