Author: Christian B. Miller (Virtual Insight)
A mother and her family, caught in a rip current off Panama City Beach, were rescued by strangers who formed a human chain. Such acts of empathy contrast with instances like Walter Vance’s ignored collapse in a crowded store. Research shows empathy can significantly drive helpful behaviors, while social influences often deter assistance. Our character is a mix of good and bad traits, reflecting a “character gap” between ideal virtues and actual behavior.