Empathy No Longer Divides Humans And Chimps. What Now?

Evolutionary theory implies that the propensity to mimic pupil size should be especially adaptive within groups. In line with this assumption, pupil-mimicry is shared among humans and chimpanzees and is stronger during interactions with members of one’s species than during interactions with members of the other species. Humans most likely evolved their communicative eyes with clear eye-white and fine musculature precisely because it benefits within-group interactions, survival, and prosperity.

The results suggest this involuntary action likely evolved to help humans and chimps communicate sympathy and strengthen social bonds within groups. In face-to-face interactions, people often involuntarily imitate each other’s facial expressions, eye blinks, or pupil size to convey empathy. These physical cues help communicate emotions to both individuals in the interaction, facilitating trust and cooperation within groups.

If different species of humans existed throughout modern humans recorded history I think there is no chance that we would have co-existed with them peacefully. This might be a dark commentary on our nature, but I think our past has shown that when it comes to difference, we have the capacity for mind-numbing levels of cruelty.