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This interview discusses the differences in empathetic behaviour demonstrated by humans and ani-mals, such as mammals. To make a logical argument, Frans states that people generally run on greed, self-interest, and ruthlessness as means to get ahead in society. These prominent events allow the brain to become empathetic, since empathy often connects individuals through reconciliation and consolation. He explains that this type of behaviour is not restricted to humans; rather, apes and monkeys, including bonobos also show empathy towards other primates in their group whenever a problem arises. Unlike most mammals, however, bonobos indulge in sexual activity, where they kiss and embrace and use sexual intercourse to change a situation.
Moreover, Frans explicitly states that although animal studies cannot depict exactly how an animal is feeling after a stressful situation, it can be measured by the degree of behaviour expressed by the animal. The interview also mentions that emotional contagion does not discriminate between bigger-brained animals, such as elephants, and smaller-brained animals, such as mice. For instance, in one study involving mice, pain became worse when other mice were around; that is, sensitivity to pain increases when others are around. In humans, the phenomenon of emotional contagion is also observed in babies; when one baby in the room starts crying, other babies also start crying in response to distress. The difference between humans and other mammals is that animals can feel empathy, but cannot make a connection with themselves – no self-awareness.
Frans also makes another significant argument when he speculates that empathy is more developed in females than in males, strictly due to maternal care. This type of behaviour was also observed in female mice, where they were more likely than male mice to approach other mice that were in pain, showing sympathetic concern or pre-concern. Consequently, most females show a more calming effect than most males. Perhaps this is the reason why there are more female nurses than male nurses or more male politicians than female politicians. Furthermore, since empathy is a mammalian trait, humans tend to have a greater connection with mammals as pets, such as dogs and cats, than with non-mammalian pets. For instance, a dog is more likely to respond to a distressed owner than would a goldfish or lizard. On a final note, Frans also mentions that there are no limits to empathy. The reason why humans are often mean and unkind to one another is simply because they choose not to apply their empathetic capabilities. Regardless, humans have a strong capacity to get along with strangers since it
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