# The Unselfish Gene? - Author: **Alex Dixon** - Document Tags: [[empathy]], [[Empathy]] - [URL link](https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_unselfish_gene)  ## Highlights - some people are going to be a bit more naturally closed off and unable to really understand what other people are feeling, ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hj9gpjtymsbpp0b10eng1t1v)) --- - a particular gene that's the receptor for oxytocin, which is known as the "love hormone." People can have one of three variations of this gene—either AA, AG, or GG—depending on the genetic information they receive from each parent. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hasqqe2e74qq0z6f1ttze3h1)) --- - could be in large part due to the fact that they're so consumed by their own stress ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hj9gpwd17s71z1bbfrqsk9t3)) --- - who had the GG variation scored significantly higher on the empathy tests than those who had either of the other two variations. What's more, people with the GG variation seemed less reactive to stress ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hasqveqn4301ytk5nt23tw2y)) --- - Our genome may predispose us to certain behaviors, but ultimately, our lives are shaped by the interaction between our genes and our experiences ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hj9gq830fkhg0y7p4bt8h7dz)) --- - "But through nurturing and social connectivity and understanding, people can overcome these obstacles ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01hj9gqgb9bnzg8j25xgnhdtrq)) ---