The Empathic Civilization

I listened to Bob Edwards program this afternoon on National Public Radio. He interviewed Jeremy Rifkin, the author of The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis. I thought it was a fascinating conversation.

Basically, he says that we are, by nature, empathic creatures. Babies are born, trying to make connections. Research says that we are wired to be empathic with others' actions and suffering. Further, our empathy for others is based on our lines of relationship. Throughout history, as our civilization has extended its reach of knowledge of and interaction with others, our ability to act in sympathy with others has increased.

Mr. Rifkin says that we are now at a turning point. Old institutions support connections that are regional, while our knowledge of and interaction with others has gone global. Our empathy is being restrained by these institutions; instead, we need to create new institutions that will facilitate a blossoming new level of empathy.

This basic description comes only from the interview, and I'm sure is quite simplistic. I have also found one blog that is critical of Rifkin's work, saying that he limits his own scope to the Euro-American sphere, excluding more indigenous sources of wisdom.

However, I find the ideas intriguing. What do you think?

Economic Justice

The Old Testament describes a pattern called Jubilee, which returned land - that had been sold to pay debts - to the family after several generations. This would ensure that no family would be trapped in poverty and destitution without any hope of basic resources for the future.

As I listen to the news of January 21, 2010, especially the decision of the Supreme Court regarding campaign contributions and corporations, I grieve that the drive to create profit has increased its control on our social, cultural, political, economic, and justice process.

This will put even more responsibility on us, the people, to be vigilant and active in educating ourselves, thinking for ourselves, choosing what is truly valuable to us, making decisions carefully, and acting courageously to influence our world. Compassion, a universal religious goal, is not usually present in the drive for profit. Compassion must be at the heart of our influence.

What do you think?