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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Age of Empathy summary
Nature’s Lessons for a Kinder Society
14 mins
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The Age of Empathy by Frans de Waal is an exploration of the evolutionary roots of human empathy and prosocial behavior, drawing on research in anthropology and biology. It argues for a more compassionate society based on cooperation and social bonds.
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The Age of Empathy
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There is a popular but misguided tendency to view human nature as inherently selfish.
The idea that human nature is fundamentally selfish is widespread. Even pop culture propagates this idea: “Greed is good,” proclaims Michael Douglas’s character in the 1987 movie, Wall Street. “Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.”
Ideas like this are popular in both cultural and political theory, and they’ve kept alive the myth that humanity is inherently self-centered.
This notion is also backed up by the theory of Social Darwinism. Introduced by nineteenth-century British political philosopher Herbert Spencer, it offers a “survival of the fittest” outlook on life between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”
Social Darwinism further suggests that it’s counterproductive for those who succeed in life to feel obligated to help, as they can get dragged down by those who are struggling.
This kind of ideology has found its way into the business world as well.
For example, in the early twentieth century, business tycoon John D. Rockefeller, Jr., regarded the expansion of big business at the expense of smaller businesses as “merely the working out of a law of nature.”
These are all misunderstandings of human nature and are especially dangerous when they fuel self-fulfilling prophecies.
We saw this in the notorious case of ENRON, an energy company that believed humanity was driven by two things: fear and greed. This created a horrible corporate environment as well as a brutal system ENRON called Rank and Yank, in which managers ranked employees on a five-point scale and fired anyone who received a five. This system led to 20 percent of the workforce being fired every year.
ENRON’s cold-blooded practices extended beyond employee relations, too. In order to raise the price of energy costs, the company caused artificial blackouts and shortages, showing no concern for the harm that these tactics could cause people in elevators or on respirators.
But this cold-hearted business philosophy eventually backfired, and ENRON collapsed in 2001.
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What is The Age of Empathy about?
The Age of Empathy (2009) debunks popular theories which suggest that human nature is inherently selfish, cut-throat and prone to violence. Evidence provided by biology, history and science makes clear that cooperation, peace and empathy are qualities that are as natural and innate to us as our less desirable traits.
The Age of Empathy Review
The Age of Empathy (2009) explores the power of empathy and how it is deeply rooted in human nature. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- It presents a comprehensive analysis of empathy backed by scientific research, making it informative and thought-provoking.
- With captivating anecdotes and examples from both animals and humans, the book offers a fascinating insight into our capacity for empathy.
- By challenging traditional beliefs, it encourages a reevaluation of how empathy can shape our relationships, societies, and even our own well-being.
Best quote from The Age of Empathy
The whole effort of nature is to get rid of such [the unfit], to clear the world of them, and make room for better. - Herbert Spencer
—Frans de Waal
Who should read The Age of Empathy?
- Anthropologists curious about human nature
- Sociologists interested in our innate biological ability to bond with others
- Students interested in how social science, politics, evolution and biology intersect
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The Age of Empathy FAQs
What is the main message of The Age of Empathy?
The main message of The Age of Empathy is that empathy is a fundamental aspect of human nature, prevalent in both humans and animals.
How long does it take to read The Age of Empathy?
The reading time for The Age of Empathy varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Age of Empathy a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Age of Empathy is a fascinating read that offers valuable insights into the empathetic nature of both humans and animals.
Who is the author of The Age of Empathy?
The author of The Age of Empathy is Frans de Waal.
What to read after The Age of Empathy?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Age of Empathy, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Social Empathy by Elizabeth Segal
- The War For Kindness by Jamil Zaki
- Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming by Stephen LaBerge and Howard Rheingold
- Against Empathy by Paul Bloom
- A Really Good Day by Ayelet Waldman
- Humility Is The New Smart by Edward D. Hess and Katherine Ludwig
- Smile or Die by Barbara Ehrenreich
- What Every BODY is Saying by Joe Navarro
- Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott
- The Daily Laws by Robert Greene