Bestselling author, political adviser and social and ethical prophet Jeremy Rifkin investigates the evolution of empathy and the profound ways that it has shaped our development and our society. Taken from a lecture given by Jeremy Rifkin as part of the RSA's free public events programme. Watch the full lecture here: www.thersa.org/events/video/archive/jeremy-rifkin-the-empathic-civilisation The RSA is a 258 year-old charity devoted to creating social progress and spreading world-changing ideas. For more information about our research, RSA Animates, free events programme and 27,000 strong fellowship. Find out more about the RSA at www.thersa.org Join the RSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thersaorg ------ Produced and edited by Abi Stephenson, RSA. Animation by Cognitive Media.