This opening session brings together Buddhism, psychology, neuroscience, and economics to challenge the assumption that human behavior is fundamentally driven by self-interest and to explore whether compassion can help shape more sustainable economic systems. The Dalai Lama argues that economic activity cannot be separated from human motivation and emotion, pointing to greed, speculation, ignorance, and …

Continue reading “Compassion, Empathy, Altruism, and Prosocial Behavior”

The discussion examines how altruism and compassion might become practical foundations for economic and social life by drawing on evolutionary biology, economics, neuroscience, and Buddhist thought. Matthieu Ricard argues that because economic systems shape everyday life, cultivating greater concern for others is essential for reconciling short-term economic interests, quality of life, and long-term environmental well-being. …

Continue reading “Altruism: Evolutionary Origins and Modern Expressions”

The session examines how economics might be reoriented toward human happiness, cooperation, and social welfare rather than treating income growth and self-interest as its primary goals. Richard Layard argues that while competitive markets have greatly increased material living standards, happiness in wealthy countries has not risen correspondingly because people compare themselves with others and because …

Continue reading “Economic Research on Altruistic/Pro-Social Behavior”

This session explores practical ways to embed altruism, responsibility, and sustainability into economic life, moving from theory to concrete models in finance, development, and grassroots action. Antoinette Hunziker-Ebneter argues that investors and financial institutions can promote sustainable quality of life by considering social, environmental, and governance factors alongside financial returns, shifting from short-term profit maximization …

Continue reading “Introducing Pro-Sociality into Economic Systems”

The final session of Mind & Life XX reflects on how compassion, altruism, leadership, education, and institutional design might come together to create economic systems that support both material prosperity and human and environmental well-being. Joan Halifax frames compassion as a necessity for survival, while Bill George argues that transforming organizations requires compassionate, authentic leaders …

Continue reading “Reflections, Integration and Future Directions for Research and Policy”