Why do people become activists?

What causes someone to devote their lives to a social or political cause? Is it genetic, they were born that way, and simply have to find “their” cause to fight for, or are they mostly people who never had any such ideas at all, but became activists because of a powerful personal experience?

Unsurprisingly, the researchers found people were “much less motivated to adopt pro-environmental behaviors” when they were told the author was a stereotypical environmentalist. To add insult to injury, “this dynamic may very well apply across the board, such as to activities advocating gay rights or Wall Street reform,” writes Tom Jacobs at Pacific Standard.

You hear that, feminists and environmentalists? Be more pleasant! Be more approachable! And for goodness sake, take a shower and get your hands off that tree!