The Age of Empathy

Some scientists have recently suggested that it is time for the genus Pan (including chimps) should be reclassified as Homo, because chimps are capable of human behaviour. Primates display love and affection towards each other, they form alliances within their social groups and pass on knowledge to younger members of the group. In short, they display behaviour that is based on empathy and cooperation.

Drawing on a lifetime's experience of studying animals Frans de Waal has come to realise that animals survive by sharing, evolution has pre-programmed us to care for, and help, others. It seems that the harsh view of mankind offered by Social Darwninism is not a view supported by contemporary science.

Social behaviour in animals, the herding instinct, bonding rituals, expressions of consolation, even conflict resolution, demonstrates that animals are designed to feel for each other (humanity's natural condition is also to be group animals). From chimpanzees caring for mates that have been wounded by leopards, elephants reassuring youngsters in distress to dolphins preventing sick companions from drowning the animal kingdom has many examples of altruism.

"Greed is out, empathy is in... Human empathy has the backing of a long evolutionary history."

Can studying the role of empathy in evolution among animals help to build a just society based on the more generous elements of human nature? Is evolutionary biology the force behind the sense of social responsibility and community building that are the keynotes of Obama's political vision and David Cameron's 'Big Society' as they lead us into a new Age of Empathy?

Written accessibly, with an incisive intelligence and humour, providing a wealth of anecdotes and scientific examples, The Age of Empathy is essential reading to understand how evolutionary biology can change our society.