The innate desire to help others strikes some people especially hard. It can manifest itself in all sorts of ways, and though we often refer to such people as do-gooders, what they do isn't always good for themselves or for others.
It's all part of a fascinating phenomenon writer Larissa MacFarquhar explores in her new book,
"Strangers Drowning: Grappling with Impossible Idealism, Drastic Choices and the Overpowering Urge to Help."
MacFarquhar joined host Alex Cohen with more.
To listen to the full interview, click on the blue audio player above. You can also read an excerpt from 'Strangers Drowning' below.