The Good Samaritan Lives

A new survey suggests that, despite our era’s reputation for uncivil behavior, Americans perform selfless good deeds at a pretty good clip.

When market researcher Synovate asked 1,000 people whether anyone, known or a stranger, had done them an act of kindness over the past year, nearly two-thirds said Yes.

Specifically, 41% said someone had comforted them in a time of need, 21% reported help with car trouble, 21% were bought something they needed but couldn’t afford and 1% had nothing less than their life saved. More than 38% said they were treated to a good deed not mentioned in the survey.