ABSTRACT
When people engage with someone intellectually, emotionally, or physically, they create a spark, a bond — something more precious than gold. Humans, like almost every other living organism, rely on pheromones for behavioral cues. Scientists have now identified areas of the brain that are devoted to the potential for language, specifically Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, which play a large role in production and processing. Even though humans may be hardwired for language and communication, this ability doesn’t develop automatically. Language must be learned. The Dalai Lama claims that the human potential for compassion is similar — he even helped found a research center at Stanford University that investigates the development of compassion. He believes that, given the right circumstances and conditions, the seed of compassion will take root. With practice, one can develop the part of the brain responsible for compassion and caring — much in the same way their brain develops language proficiency.
