Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

SexualDepression t1_j9pf7r6 wrote

It's a book review, mostly.

"We would say the virtue, courage, and strength of the heroes of Le Chabom causes people to experience the emotion we call “moral elevation.” When we view such moral heroism, we don’t think: “Awesome!” We think: “That is heroic. That is the right thing to do. That is the thing that I should do.”

Whether we refer to our reaction as “awe,” “moral beauty,” or “moral elevation,” Keltner urges us all to pay attention to the good things, the kind things, the generous things that people do for others. If we do so, we will likely be inspired and will do more good things ourselves as did the villagers in Le Chambon when they witnessed the moral courage of Pastor André Trocmé and his wife."

Morality isn't ill-defined or a trap, it's "prosocial" in regards to the society a group wants to see. Conformity bias works both ways, ie people emulate good and bad behaviors of the people(society) around them.

It goes to the effectiveness of "be the change you wish to see."

It's why the Christmas Peace is so inspirational and makes us lamet war, or why the story of the German pilots escorting the British pilot to safety makes us see the humanity in all, or why we value the 'Seaman's Code' to respond calls for help. It's why we are impressed by Tank Man's courage.

Tl;Dr: Leaning into the prosocial behavior begets more prosocial behavior. That holds true no matter which society, because of conformity bias.

3