Your Genes Might Make You Secretly Heroic And Selfless

Heroes may not just be the stuff of legends — in fact, the potential for heroism and selflessness may lie hidden within us.

Living With Genes Newsletter | Issue #15 — Your Genes Might Make You Secretly Heroic And Selfless!

Imagine this.

You’re walking down the street, minding your own business, when you witness a purse snatching happen right in front of you.

What would you do if you encounter a chance to be heroic? Image©Cedric Lee (DNA Storyteller)

You freeze — survival instinct kicking in, and your inner voice screams:

“Ignore it, it’s none of your business!”

But something else happens. You don’t run. Instead, a different instinct kicks in, a primal urge to help, a flicker of heroism you never knew you possessed.

Your body suddenly moves into action. Without conscious thought, you tackle the robber to the ground, pinning him with your strength.

Moments later, with the offender subdued, you suddenly wonder:

“Why did I do that?”

Turns out, your heroic leap might not be entirely driven by moral obligation, but by something deeper — your genes.

Survival of the Selfless. From Darwin to DNA

“Evolution isn’t just about the strongest or the fastest, it’s also about the most cooperative” — New Scientist

Remember survival of the fittest? Well, it turns out “fittest” doesn’t just mean the biggest muscles.

Charles Darwin himself observed that creatures with altruistic tendencies were more likely to survive and pass on their genes [1].

Imagine a prehistoric community where someone shares their food during a famine. Not only do they help others, but they also increase the chances of their own genes being carried on by future generations.

Why?

Because selfless acts of courage are more inspiring — and attractive.

This is proven by countless fables and stories alluding to how the knight who slays the evil dragon and rescues the hapless damsel-in-distress often weds that said damsel.

Being a knight can make you more popular with the ladies (especially when they are in distress). Image©Cedric Lee (DNA Storyteller)

On the other hand, tendencies for altruism aren’t just limited to acts of bravery, it can even be a simple display of kindness like how a friendly neighbor enjoys baking cookies for charity.

Her generosity might not just be a warm heart, but a genetic inheritance from a variant of her altruistic genes.

Indeed, modern scientists have actually identified genes linked to altruism, such as AVPR1A, COMT, DRD4, DRD5, GABRB2 and OXTR genes [2].

In fact, mutation in some of these genes can lead to higher levels of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, when faced with a situation requiring positive actions.

This dopamine rush, researchers believe, fuels your desire to help, making you more likely to jump in and volunteer to help people, even if it means at your personal inconvenience and risk.

Furthermore, being a good samaritan may sometimes bring other benefits.

Such as.

People See You As A Leader… That Inspires

“The true price of leadership is the willingness to place the needs of others above your own” — Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek

Remember Simon Sinek’s famous book — “Leaders Eat Last”?

This best-selling book emphasizes the importance of leaders serving their employees and putting their needs first. Source from Kingsmaker. Edited by Cedric Lee (DNA Storyteller)

Well, turns out people naturally gravitate towards those who prioritize the well-being of others — it’s a trust thing.

We subconsciously recognize and respect individuals who put the group first, making them natural candidates to guide the flock [3].

That is why helping others not only feel good (thanks, dopamine!), it can also elevate your leadership status.

Think about it, who inspires you more? That self-serving boss, OR the manager who is kind to teammates and works together to complete a project?

It is the “I got your back” mentality in action that inspires people.

This is because people don’t follow titles, they follow causes.

So, if you find yourself constantly organizing gatherings or volunteering, don’t be surprised if you end up the unofficial captain of your gang.

This isn’t a power trip — it’s just your inner champion genes shining through.

Do You Have Secret Hero Genes?

“A hero is not shaped by their titles or trophies, but by their actions and character.” — Kobe Bryant

So, how do you know if you are genetically altruistic?

Well, apart from doing a DNA test, here are some telltale signs that you may possess altruism genes:

1. Saying “No” Is Tough: Do you find yourself constantly agreeing to help friends in need, or even lending money to people who asked for it? You might be genetically predisposed to say “yes.”

2. You Are A Chronic Volunteer: If you find yourself constantly volunteering, offering assistance, and generally going out of your way for others, even when it inconveniences you, you may have altruistic genes.

3. Empathy Is Your Superpower: Do you feel the joys and sorrows of others as if they were your own? Your brain might be wired for emotional connection, a key ingredient in being altruistic.

4. You Do Random Acts Of Kindness: Does the thought of helping someone in need, even if it means putting yourself out there, make you happy? This dopamine rush you get from doing good might be due to your altruism genes.

Conclusion

“A true hero is not defined by their strength, but by their ability to inspire and lead others.” — Mahatma Gandhi

So, there you have it — altruism isn’t just some random act of kindness, it’s a complex dance between genes, survival instincts, and even a dash of leadership potential.

It is also a choice, a conscious decision to act with compassion.

Mahatma Gandhi was considered to be the Father of India’s independence, and was well-known for his calm, courage and compassion in the face of oppression. Image©Cedric Lee (DNA Storyteller)

Your upbringing, experiences, and environment all play a role in shaping your altruistic tendencies. Your genes don’t determine your fate, it is a multiplier.

But knowing your genetic predisposition can be empowering. It’s a reminder that the hero within might be a potential encoded in your very DNA.

So, embrace your inner hero, unleash your good deeds, and remember, even the smallest act of kindness can ripple outwards, creating a wave of positive change.

After all, the world needs more heroes, and guess what?

You might already be one!

🧠 About Me :

I am the DNA Storyteller. I help people unlock their potential through storytelling and genetic insights, and I love chatting over coffee. ☕💬.

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Disclaimer: The content in this article is intended solely for informational purposes and may contain outdated information after the date of publishing that doesn’t reflect the latest scientific advancements. The content is presented “as is” and is not guaranteed to be complete or up-to-date.

Sources :

[1] 2003, Biological Altruism, From Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (link)

[2] 2010, Gene Variation Linked to Altruism (link)

[3] 2021, The Role of Altruism in the Leadership Phenomenon (link)