The empathic civilization

    We humans can’t help but empathize. It’s in our DNA. And new research shows that we are evolving to empathize on a global level. This is particularly encouraging, as economist Jeremy Rifkin points out in the above video, because it may be the key to our salvation from such things as war and environmental destruction.

    Rifkin is the founder of The Foundation on Economic Trends and together with the Royal Society of Arts and Cognitive Media, he created this great illustrated video that explains how emotion has evolved over time. (h/t Yes! Magazine)

    Recent Stories

    • Analysis

    What the climate movement can learn from organized labor

    September 23, 2026

    The climate movement needs the kind of leverage that comes from shutting down the economy — and it can only get there through deep organizing with workers.

    • Analysis

    How to combat fear at the polls this November

    September 21, 2026

    As we approach a midterm election shadowed by threats of violence, there are freely available trainings for people who want to protect the vote.

    • Review

    Being a dissident is a capacity, not a calling

    September 17, 2026

    Gal Beckerman’s new book “How to Be a Dissident” finds that dissidence isn’t a personality type. It’s a human capacity that can be cultivated.