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The Biology of Kindness review: Living well and prospering

Can cultivating positive behaviours and tweaking our lifestyles lead to healthier, happier lives – even longer lives? Discover the daily choices that may make the difference in a fascinating new book

By Vijaysree Venkatraman

5 April 2024

New Scientist Default Image — What is the impact of being kind on our bodies and lifespan?
Kara McWest / Stockimo / Alamy

The Biology of Kindness

Immaculata De Vivo and Daniel Lumera, translated by Fabio De Vivo

MIT Press (first published in Italian in 2020)

We tend to think about kindness as a quality that helps others, not ourselves. But a new book, The Biology of Kindness: Six daily choices for health, well-being, and longevity, unpicks the impact of being kind on our bodies and lifespan, as well as the effect of four other traits and behaviours – optimism, forgiveness,…

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