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An Empathic Civilization

Posted Aug 12 2010 by Jonathan Brink in , , with 6 Comments

Prepare to geek out for about 10 minutes. ;-P

This is a video by author Jeremy Rifkin and explores the idea of empathy.  He makes the assertion, based on neuroscience that we are soft-wired with something called mirror neurons. Mirror neurons allow us to construct a sense of empathy by recreating in our own brain what we see someone else experiencing. These neurons help us connect with the other in a way that is biological.  Rifkin suggests we are wired for relationship.

What caught my attention is what could be described as his essential argument.  He maintains that we are an empathic civilization.  The final three minutes of the video explores how we construct identity using false realities (blood ties, religious ties, nation-state ties).  He suggests seeing beyond these constructions to the human ties and actually brings in Adam and Eve.  He creates an intriguing narrative for people exploring the ties of science and the creation story.

My friend Mike Todd turned me on to this video.  He explores how we’re wired to return to our true image.  Fascinating stuff.

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About the Author

Jonathan BrinkI am an business development and communications consultant. I am also the senior editor and publisher for Civitas Press. I recently published, Discovering The God Imagination: Reconstructing A Whole, New Christianity. (Civitas, 2011)View all posts by Jonathan Brink →

  • http://openmindedconversations.blogspot.com/ jshmueller

    Thanks for sharing this – fascinating indeed! I’ll have to watch the graphic part in slow motion again sometime – my aging neurons are having trouble keeping up with the pace!rnrnThe one thing I was missing in the clip was the element of the “fear factor” which seems to play a major role in our struggle for survival as well. How does the biological fight-or-flight response possibly compete or conflict with the empathy response? And if such a conflict arises which part of the brain makes the choice and based on what (strength of impulse / prewired connections nased on experience / or an immaterial self disconnected from any observable electro-chemical processes)?

  • http://jonathanbrink.com Jonathan Brink

    I think the fear factor largely overrides our capacity for empathy. As we develop judgments and store them in our long term memory we encounter a spiraling effect. The brain draws judgment based on the long-term stored memory of judgments in the pre-frontal cortex. But it is influenced by the amygdala, which produces our feelings. If we’ve continually overcoming our negative judgments we will learn to stay open to interaction and empathy. But if we allow them to embed they will override us and continually magnify onto each other.nn”Be transformed by the renewing of your minds…” comes to mind.

  • http://openmindedconversations.blogspot.com/ jshmueller

    I can see how these neurological interactions can be influenced one way or another. But it still can’t locate or describe exactly what gives the decisive push towards the “overcoming” or “renewing” . And I don’t think we’ll ever be able to reduce the influence of the Holy Spirit and the interactions with the human spirit to neurological processes – although the EFFECTS would obviously be seen there. rnrnIf the nature of God’s breath and wind includes the fact that we cannot fixate or control it, one should expect to arrive at this last barrier which even advanced science cannot get us beyond. If it were otherwise, wouldn’t we necessarily arrive at a deterministic humanity?

  • http://jonathanbrink.com Jonathan Brink

    One of my favorite books is called The Tree of Knowledge by Maturana and Varela, believe it or not. In it they describe the process of auotpoesis, which is essentially our drive to continue or live. I think the God image, which is true within each of us, is the stronger influencer. Its why humanity can survive even in the slums of Calcutta and make something out of it. That drive could be called by the Spirit.nnI hear you on the deterministic element. But one thing that helped me see it a different way is that God’s sovereignty includes the capacity to grant free will, which the story strongly suggests. In other words, God grants the right to say no. Is that deterministic? I don’t really think so.

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Business development and communications for growing businesses.