A computer science major with an interest in rationalism, self-improvement and effective altruism — a philosophical movement that uses evidence and reason to help others — Mangione enthused about technological innovation.

Most ants have two morphologically differentiated adult castes -- queens and workers -- each irreversibly specialized for either reproduction or nonreproductive altruism such as foraging, defense and care of maternal brood.

And, perhaps most notably, it resulted in the creation of foods that repurpose what might otherwise end up in the garbage without sacrificing taste in the interest of altruism.

He became known for promoting a tolerant Islam which emphasised altruism, modesty and hard work.

Intrigued by altruism, he established the Heroic Imagination Project, devoted to the belief — in his own words — that “each and every seemingly ordinary person on this planet is capable of committing heroic acts.”