homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Weekend


Subscriber content preview

December 21, 2001

Strange But True!

  • A weekly column of incidental information, off-the-wall observations and other random facts about the world.
    • By BILL SONES and RICH SONES, Ph.D.
    Special to the Journal

    Q. What is it with Santa Claus? How does this silly-suited, roly-poly, childless husband become such a cross-cultural exemplar of generosity and humankindness?

    A. Santa in his fey garb is altruism incarnate, says University of Toronto psychologist Steve Joordens. Without potent altruism, humanity would fracture as a social species, because "everyone doing their own thing" and not caring about others would undermine communal security.


     
    . . .


    To read this story in full login or purchase a subscription.



    Previous columns:


    
    Email or user name:
    Password:
     
    Forgot password? Click here.