Findings included the following:

Luxury car drivers were more likely to cut off other motorists instead of waiting for their turn at an intersection. Less affluent people are more likely to report feeling compassion towards others on a regular basis. Wealthier people are more likely to agree with statements that greed is justified, beneficial, and morally defensible.

Why would wealth decrease compassion? Researchers had this to say: To read the entire article—How Wealth Reduces Compassion—click here.  To listen to an episode of CBC’s Tapestry—“Survival of the Kindest”—where Dacher Keltner discusses why humans are wired to be good (ensuring the survival of our species), click here. 05/04/12