The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. Roman is doing an excellent job of inspiring others who have found their gifts to give them away and make living in this world a more meaningful and emphatic experience
I have been living this philosophy of empathy my whole life. I am glad you put it in a video and we have been trying to spread the word via our organizations.
Spot on a usual from RSA Animate with a simple but effective monologue. I have to admit to being a bit smug listening to this. Without much of this lovely string of thought, I've been asking students for almost 2 decades to consider this phrase: To live a good life you should treat people in the way that you would like to be treated? Most people respond positively. Then I do something equally subtle in the theoreticak sentiment, as it is massively impactful in the lived experience: To live a good life you should treat people in the way that they would like to be treated? Small change massive difference and this lovely animation does it better than me!
The point made about why there is so little action on climate change was just so well done! I've cared deeply about this subject for so long but struggled to put to words why others so easily hand-wave it; This video explains the concept PERFECTLY. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO SEE THIS!!!
Magnificent video! I will be sharing! It hits perfectly on my own social philosophy that impelled me to write a novel highlighting the fact that empathy (benevolent reciprocity) is the ONLY way to peace and brotherhood. Thank you for this. It made my day!
I love this. I've long regarded empathy, the knowledge, experience and feeling that we are are connected as the most important understanding we can culture. This wisdom on a mass scale is a single thing that would change the direction of the majority of our worst societal and global problems. I'm dismayed at the title though. It has been my experience that it is inward attention that brings me empathy. It's not introspection vs outrospection, introspection is the BASIS of outrospection.
Oh magnificently said and done! A perfect example of philosophy reevaluated, refined, and re-applied. This is a world-changer (for the much, much better) -- it is already affecting the part of the great human chain-reaction with which I am directly connected in daily life -- the one that connects the very first human with the very last there will ever be. "Thank you" seems woefully inadequate for this human masterpiece.
In a world where interpersonal communication favours electronic means, a doubling down on empathy is what we need to keep humans connected and engaged.
This reminds me of something I learned in a self-realization training many, many years ago. What I learned was "the way out is written on the outside." Over time, I have found this to be deeply true.
I had to watch this for a lecture and I find this very interesting. It is really important for all people to finally see over their horizon and to come out of their boxes. We have to understand what other people feel when we want to change the world and its destruction. Could say much more about this, but my brain is now really.. I don't know. Nice video *thumbs up*
Btw. I looked at your cartoon, didn't I? It's good. You're talented. Keep up the good work. Continue to pitch empathy. One word answers to the world's problems may be problematic, but so what.?The cartoons are what matter. They are the real thang. They do things other than what they think they are doing. So congratulations on your art and don't you ever change.
i don't believe we can change the things around us until we change for ourselves and understand why we think the way we do. from there, we can analyze our lives objectively and with empathy where it's conducive to our betterment. it doesn't necessarily require empathizing to obtain the state of mind that this video deems essential, it just requires people to critically think and ask questions.
this is one of the most profound things i have seen. More people should watch this and we should all take some action! Small drops can still create a ripple...
Currently working on a project with IDEO and there is a question about 2 mins in that resonates strongly: HMW nurture our cuirosity about others? The guys at IDEO would love this and is particularly pertinent to our lives (home and at work) right this very minute Understanding social margins (extremes) is also something critical to how and why we live and interact also. Great video. and timely
the conversations between Palestinians and Israelis is an example of the avenue of action that most systems need... All stakeholders, the sides of an issue, conflicts, debates, talking with each other to understand each other and learn what common humanity is in each of us. Then the people in the systems start to change the day to day decisions that shift the system eventually. I have seen this happen between Big Agriculture, Government and Environmentalists managing water quality. Talk, Care.
Indeed enlightening, outrospection leads to introspection... it does not come by itself, how can one make moral choices and decision if you have nothing to compare to. As a person of several nationalities and child of a family that has lived all over the world i am always amazed by how eager people are to distance themselves from other nationalities, regions or religions and trying to emphasise their own moral and spiritual supremacy over others.
I think this is thought provoking & love the animation)... It occurs to me that the only access we have to ourselves & ea other is from an inner life and when connected, it naturally flows outward. The only danger I see in this need to drive change "out there"... is that the wisdom and vision of that which we intend is best served from that inner source. Even from that inner life, empathy transforms into a "knowing" of Oneness that removes separation. From there, anything can be created.
Friends, that this video begins by claiming that introspection hasn't delivered is astonishing to me. I'm all for outrospection and empathy, but to claim that we are a society of introspective people is absolutely absurd. I am a clinical psychologist. I can assure you that people are not suffering of too much introspection and contemplation. Introspection does work. Self-awareness and empathy emerge together. Yes, the popularization of psychology got started in the 20th century, but it is still growing as a field with new influences such as mindfulness. Mindfulness is probably the single most powerful practice of self-awareness for creating more empathy and compassion for self and other. And it works by having us sit quietly and observe ourselves. Please, think about this. You can outrospect like crazy but if you do not learn to observe yourself, you will find yourself lacking in empathy.
Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed this video. It kind of reminded me a little of a thought I had when I was heavily into the mindfulness practice and philosophy. Basically the more I focused on the notion of 'No self' and 'eliminating the ego', the more self involved and ultimately self oriented I became. Whereas once I accepted the obvious notion that a self (constructed or not) did exist, I stopped focusing on me and became far more engaged with others. Keep up the good work :)
I came upon a new mantra recently. There's a phrase we use too often about ourselves and others. We say that "We/They need to "get over ourselves". It occurred to me that this is backwards. What we should say is "We need to get out from under ourselves". Its a different act than getting over. Getting over is kind of a smack down of the self. Getting out from under is an escape, a liberation.
what a great video…Congratulations! I will pass it on so others can benefit and understand how Empathy may be developed…and we are all just developing into better people…and that just depends on why you choose to be a "better" person!
As human beings, we all are connected, no matter what one's personal views are. Some are fortunate is some ways, others in other ways. Some are unfortunate as well. Stepping outside our own relative world reality and truly seeing/feeling what is going on around us would tear down many of the walls that separate us and limit both our personal growth and the global progress of the world we ALL share, in some form or another.
I agree with you. The thing I think is preventing realistic concrete actions is the incapably we all have to make sacrifices. The first step is empathy, yes. But actions come with change and sacrifice. Knowing there's a problem is the first step to solve it, yes. I think we got stuck there and forgot is the first step, not the only one... and it's a damn long and hard road.
Profound wisdom you have there. I'm sure you will find your way. In any case, I wish you the best, I wish for you to feel safe. You don't lack empathy I can see that from the way you write. So don't lose that. However difficult it might seem sometimes. Strenght and courage. And one day this will all change. Have faith. Cath
Feeling secured is also something you can create yourself. I am sure that where you are from this is a whole different thing. Putting yourself out there, in a vulnerable way, and to try and relate to others, that is something you can practice everyday, wherever you are. I do hope that your country will find peace. But the peace within you does not depend on that. And with inner peace comes empathy. It also works vice versa. That's the beauty of it. Kind regards, Cath
I would argue that it does do something. Not by an individual's scopes but a collective. Before the days of FB or the internet nobody had this sort of access. In Egypt, people are overthrowing their government on the basis that it no longer works to centralize power in one regime... people discovered this by way of the internet and facebook, liked similar pages, spread awareness, and eventually rallied against them. This connectivity is the key.
I will agree that empathy is important and that it is a quality of highly effective people in all areas of life one should understand how others life and feel, but I will contest that empathy is a not a wholey effective way of getting to know yourself. I think that gaining knowledge and then sorting through the new information is good way of understanding who you are in and in relation to your small and big world. If we live to empathically we end up living vicariously through other people, making decisions that don't align with our personal best intrests. This too is as unhealthy as not knowing yourself at all.
Why are you making things all complicated guys.... the message is simple : introspection is all well and good but once your done looking at your own little self, there is a world outside, the concept is so sample and you don't need extensive self analysis to practice it. Open your heart close your mouth and listen
Its not an either/or situation. Perspective taking capacity is certainly important but rarely exists without mindfulness which develops from self-reflection (rather than introspection). Being able to recognise how one is "showing up" for oneself and others is a key part of developing the shared understanding which (hopefully!) develops from being curious about the perspectives of others.
"Until the power of love overcomes the love of power, we will not know peace." You are right in stating that in the core of human nature, people do not want to cause others harm (it is actually in our biological makeup; see mirror neurons if you want to know more). Yet, people are not changing society. That is why it is necessary to have a global movement of empathy. If you can feel what someone feels, you want to help them and therefore love them, ergo, the world will knows peace. ;)
This was a fantastic video. Very enlightning and inspirational. I love the art and content. I agree we need to be more empathic to become better persons and solve different economical, social and even psychological problems.
5:50-7:15 you are watching the word empathy being spelled out. Creates a nice visual effect that you can see on poster size view at the end of the video
Wow - spot on!!! Having worked in the Retail, Business world, there is NO TOLERANCE for "EMPATHY" and it always got me in trouble... For one Company, it was APPRECIATED (Brookstone), but for the really BIG RETAILERS, Esteé Lauder, upper Management HAD NO EMPATHY... And, it's important to recognized that there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE between SYMPATHY and EMPATHY.
I believe that there are great strength in both introspection and outrospection, we need to harness the power of both, not just focus on the opposite ends of this spectrum.
We all have a story in this life... all lives are interesting and special... when we have empathy for others, we grow and expand our consciousness... we can understand other circumstances and types of lives and be greateful for our own...
Awesome video. The 21st century could very well be marked by outrospection now that we have the technology to connect people across space and a globalized economy that requires international conversation to understand supply chains. Even America's funny man, Louis CK, addresses other people's perspectives. Introspection probably offers more for understanding yourself but exercising empathy lets people see themselves from other viewpoints. I eagerly await the opening of the first empathy museum.
Great video! The idea and video is great and ultimately - I agree, however I believe that the 'Transformation Process' actually consists of people introspecting into an extend that they will be able to 'outrospect' effectively - and therefore create a change that's needed... Essentially, knowing yourself allows you to relate, understand, forgive ... and try to help others to realise and see what you do...
What this is fundamentally suggesting I think is action. Introspection coupled with empathetic action. Not that vacant, isolated empathy you get by just sitting and theorizing (something you see in many university class).
We are one of the loneliest and depressed generations to have ever lived. Outrospection is needed more than ever. I always enjoy this rsa. Be blessed
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. Roman is doing an excellent job of inspiring others who have found their gifts to give them away and make living in this world a more meaningful and emphatic experience
this has been my view on life for years. To know anything about yourself, you have to understand each other. This is how i try to live my life.
Simply brilliant, and so relevant...8 years later!
I have been living this philosophy of empathy my whole life. I am glad you put it in a video and we have been trying to spread the word via our organizations.
Love the idea of Empathy Museums. I hope they actually materialise one day.
You know.. the comment section on this video is a great way one could practice empathizing instead of arguing lol :P
do you empathize them? Or was that a judgement?
I agree with Sarah! Art is love and these artwork are lovely!
well said.
Why empathize with stupidity? This is melatonin for your brain.
@@MrMahlerman maybe you should watch the video again, looks like you didn't get the idea quite well.
This is like a punch in the mind.
Or a kick in the belief.
Spot on a usual from RSA Animate with a simple but effective monologue. I have to admit to being a bit smug listening to this. Without much of this lovely string of thought, I've been asking students for almost 2 decades to consider this phrase:
To live a good life you should treat people in the way that you would like to be treated?
Most people respond positively. Then I do something equally subtle in the theoreticak sentiment, as it is massively impactful in the lived experience:
To live a good life you should treat people in the way that they would like to be treated?
Small change massive difference and this lovely animation does it better than me!
The point made about why there is so little action on climate change was just so well done! I've cared deeply about this subject for so long but struggled to put to words why others so easily hand-wave it; This video explains the concept PERFECTLY. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO SEE THIS!!!
I thought it was very informative. I believe the world would be a better place if we share this video..
Magnificent video! I will be sharing! It hits perfectly on my own social philosophy that impelled me to write a novel highlighting the fact that empathy (benevolent reciprocity) is the ONLY way to peace and brotherhood.
Thank you for this. It made my day!
Excellent example of packing a lot of great information as well as advocacy into a video; this really rocks as a presentation.
I love this. I've long regarded empathy, the knowledge, experience and feeling that we are are connected as the most important understanding we can culture. This wisdom on a mass scale is a single thing that would change the direction of the majority of our worst societal and global problems.
I'm dismayed at the title though. It has been my experience that it is inward attention that brings me empathy. It's not introspection vs outrospection, introspection is the BASIS of outrospection.
Oh magnificently said and done! A perfect example of philosophy reevaluated, refined, and re-applied.
This is a world-changer (for the much, much better) -- it is already affecting the part of the great human chain-reaction with which I am directly connected in daily life -- the one that connects the very first human with the very last there will ever be.
"Thank you" seems woefully inadequate for this human masterpiece.
In a world where interpersonal communication favours electronic means, a doubling down on empathy is what we need to keep humans connected and engaged.
This reminds me of something I learned in a self-realization training many, many years ago. What I learned was "the way out is written on the outside." Over time, I have found this to be deeply true.
introspection: who you are and what you want
outrospection: where you are and where you can go
use both for something higher
I had to watch this for a lecture and I find this very interesting.
It is really important for all people to finally see over their horizon and to come out of their boxes. We have to understand what other people feel when we want to change the world and its destruction.
Could say much more about this, but my brain is now really.. I don't know.
Nice video *thumbs up*
Empathy is at the heart of my teaching of relationship skills! I'm so excited to see/hear this very well done promotion of Empathy! Thank you!
AMAZING!!! this guy sounded like he was talking right out of my very own brain…i hope others and empathize too!
As a therapist, I have been working from this perceptive from the time I was an intern. Carl Rogers has been teaching this for decades.
Btw. I looked at your cartoon, didn't I? It's good. You're talented. Keep up the good work. Continue to pitch empathy. One word answers to the world's problems may be problematic, but so what.?The cartoons are what matter. They are the real thang. They do things other than what they think they are doing. So congratulations on your art and don't you ever change.
Thank you. I'm glad I watched it, no matter how unsettling it was.
Very great video that explains empathy with vivid examples!
i don't believe we can change the things around us until we change for ourselves and understand why we think the way we do. from there, we can analyze our lives objectively and with empathy where it's conducive to our betterment. it doesn't necessarily require empathizing to obtain the state of mind that this video deems essential, it just requires people to critically think and ask questions.
Brilliant. I want to be a huge part in empathic institutions!
'failure to empathise through time to future generations', exactly.
this is one of the most profound things i have seen. More people should watch this and we should all take some action! Small drops can still create a ripple...
Thank you for having the courage to watch it.
many won't
Absolutely wonderful.
Beautiful. True love and empathy is the strongest stuff!
This is a brilliant presentation and I learnt a whole lot from it which I would use to impart knowledge to the unreached communities in my country.
Wonderful message empathy is the key and highly undervalued
Currently working on a project with IDEO and there is a question about 2 mins in that resonates strongly:
HMW nurture our cuirosity about others?
The guys at IDEO would love this and is particularly pertinent to our lives (home and at work) right this very minute
Understanding social margins (extremes) is also something critical to how and why we live and interact also. Great video. and timely
the conversations between Palestinians and Israelis is an example of the avenue of action that most systems need... All stakeholders, the sides of an issue, conflicts, debates, talking with each other to understand each other and learn what common humanity is in each of us. Then the people in the systems start to change the day to day decisions that shift the system eventually. I have seen this happen between Big Agriculture, Government and Environmentalists managing water quality. Talk, Care.
Indeed enlightening, outrospection leads to introspection... it does not come by itself, how can one make moral choices and decision if you have nothing to compare to. As a person of several nationalities and child of a family that has lived all over the world i am always amazed by how eager people are to distance themselves from other nationalities, regions or religions and trying to emphasise their own moral and spiritual supremacy over others.
I really like the museum idea!
Words fail in recounting how fantastic this is. :)
Easily one of the best RSAnimate vids
Amazing work of art to get the message through. Well done. It kept me watching till the last second and then watched it again.
I will probably watch this a few more times to allow it to sink in fully. Also, beautifully drawn!
this is genius; the empathy museum is such a great idea; he deserves funding for that
This is definitely the best RSA Animate I've seen, the drawings were exquisite. I only wish there were more of them.
These RSA Animate films are amazing.
As always, brilliant!
I think this is thought provoking & love the animation)... It occurs to me that the only access we have to ourselves & ea other is from an inner life and when connected, it naturally flows outward. The only danger I see in this need to drive change "out there"... is that the wisdom and vision of that which we intend is best served from that inner source. Even from that inner life, empathy transforms into a "knowing" of Oneness that removes separation. From there, anything can be created.
Friends, that this video begins by claiming that introspection hasn't delivered is astonishing to me. I'm all for outrospection and empathy, but to claim that we are a society of introspective people is absolutely absurd. I am a clinical psychologist. I can assure you that people are not suffering of too much introspection and contemplation.
Introspection does work. Self-awareness and empathy emerge together. Yes, the popularization of psychology got started in the 20th century, but it is still growing as a field with new influences such as mindfulness. Mindfulness is probably the single most powerful practice of self-awareness for creating more empathy and compassion for self and other. And it works by having us sit quietly and observe ourselves.
Please, think about this. You can outrospect like crazy but if you do not learn to observe yourself, you will find yourself lacking in empathy.
Liked, added to Favorites and Shared, People need to KNOW THIS!
Wow.. I agreed with everything I just heard AND was thoroughly entertained as well. Well done
The idea of empathy museum was really brilliant
Excellent, thoroughly enjoyed this video. It kind of reminded me a little of a thought I had when I was heavily into the mindfulness practice and philosophy. Basically the more I focused on the notion of 'No self' and 'eliminating the ego', the more self involved and ultimately self oriented I became. Whereas once I accepted the obvious notion that a self (constructed or not) did exist, I stopped focusing on me and became far more engaged with others. Keep up the good work :)
Brilliant talk. Similar to what Teju Cole mentioned about "empathy gap."
This is fantastic! Absolutely brilliant!
I came upon a new mantra recently. There's a phrase we use too often about ourselves and others. We say that "We/They need to "get over ourselves". It occurred to me that this is backwards. What we should say is "We need to get out from under ourselves". Its a different act than getting over. Getting over is kind of a smack down of the self. Getting out from under is an escape, a liberation.
Beautiful, inspiring and moving.
Beautiful. I really hope these ideas are taken seriously. I'll try to do my best to practice them.
really compliment!! i'm stunned and amazed at the same time by the power of this video...both from ideas and animation ! very good work :)
what a great video…Congratulations! I will pass it on so others can benefit and understand how Empathy may be developed…and we are all just developing into better people…and that just depends on why you choose to be a "better" person!
Damn good presentation overall. Loved the final message. In' Lakesh - I am one of you....
i love learning like this!!!
This is really fantastic.
It's the perfect storm. Definitely agree with that.
You need both outrospecition to collect information and introspection to process information.
Always liked these videos
As human beings, we all are connected, no matter what one's personal views are. Some are fortunate is some ways, others in other ways. Some are unfortunate as well.
Stepping outside our own relative world reality and truly seeing/feeling what is going on around us would tear down many of the walls that separate us and limit both our personal growth and the global progress of the world we ALL share, in some form or another.
I agree with you. The thing I think is preventing realistic concrete actions is the incapably we all have to make sacrifices. The first step is empathy, yes. But actions come with change and sacrifice. Knowing there's a problem is the first step to solve it, yes. I think we got stuck there and forgot is the first step, not the only one... and it's a damn long and hard road.
Interesting commentary, and brilliant illustration.
This is an incredibly powerful video.
Beautiful talk
Profound wisdom you have there. I'm sure you will find your way. In any case, I wish you the best, I wish for you to feel safe. You don't lack empathy I can see that from the way you write. So don't lose that. However difficult it might seem sometimes. Strenght and courage. And one day this will all change. Have faith. Cath
Feeling secured is also something you can create yourself. I am sure that where you are from this is a whole different thing. Putting yourself out there, in a vulnerable way, and to try and relate to others, that is something you can practice everyday, wherever you are. I do hope that your country will find peace. But the peace within you does not depend on that. And with inner peace comes empathy. It also works vice versa. That's the beauty of it. Kind regards, Cath
I would argue that it does do something. Not by an individual's scopes but a collective.
Before the days of FB or the internet nobody had this sort of access. In Egypt, people are overthrowing their government on the basis that it no longer works to centralize power in one regime... people discovered this by way of the internet and facebook, liked similar pages, spread awareness, and eventually rallied against them. This connectivity is the key.
this is absolutely great. It provoked my empathy for N. Korea. Thanks for uploading this.
I will agree that empathy is important and that it is a quality of highly effective people in all areas of life one should understand how others life and feel, but I will contest that empathy is a not a wholey effective way of getting to know yourself. I think that gaining knowledge and then sorting through the new information is good way of understanding who you are in and in relation to your small and big world. If we live to empathically we end up living vicariously through other people, making decisions that don't align with our personal best intrests. This too is as unhealthy as not knowing yourself at all.
Why are you making things all complicated guys.... the message is simple : introspection is all well and good but once your done looking at your own little self, there is a world outside, the concept is so sample and you don't need extensive self analysis to practice it. Open your heart close your mouth and listen
Wonderful video, great explanation.
It's RSA, they take great lectures and animate them in this style
Its not an either/or situation. Perspective taking capacity is certainly important but rarely exists without mindfulness which develops from self-reflection (rather than introspection). Being able to recognise how one is "showing up" for oneself and others is a key part of developing the shared understanding which (hopefully!) develops from being curious about the perspectives of others.
"Until the power of love overcomes the love of power, we will not know peace."
You are right in stating that in the core of human nature, people do not want to cause others harm (it is actually in our biological makeup; see mirror neurons if you want to know more). Yet, people are not changing society. That is why it is necessary to have a global movement of empathy. If you can feel what someone feels, you want to help them and therefore love them, ergo, the world will knows peace. ;)
Aweeeesome material, thank you
All sounds good. Don't see why empathy should be trumped over self-reflection and introspection though. I think they're equally needed.
This was a fantastic video. Very enlightning and inspirational. I love the art and content. I agree we need to be more empathic to become better persons and solve different economical, social and even psychological problems.
5:50-7:15 you are watching the word empathy being spelled out. Creates a nice visual effect that you can see on poster size view at the end of the video
Wow - spot on!!! Having worked in the Retail, Business world, there is NO TOLERANCE for "EMPATHY" and it always got me in trouble... For one Company, it was APPRECIATED (Brookstone), but for the really BIG RETAILERS, Esteé Lauder, upper Management HAD NO EMPATHY... And, it's important to recognized that there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE between SYMPATHY and EMPATHY.
What an amazing video, so insightful and such wonderful drawings
Seriously, send that thought to an idea contest or something, it will be huge!
very nice and interesting movie, an interesting idea for the transmission of information
I believe that there are great strength in both introspection and outrospection, we need to harness the power of both, not just focus on the opposite ends of this spectrum.
I love the idea of an 'empathy museum' - will think about that....
This is beautiful
We all have a story in this life... all lives are interesting and special... when we have empathy for others, we grow and expand our consciousness... we can understand other circumstances and types of lives and be greateful for our own...
Amazing i love these 10min lectures i have watched them all
Awesome video. The 21st century could very well be marked by outrospection now that we have the technology to connect people across space and a globalized economy that requires international conversation to understand supply chains. Even America's funny man, Louis CK, addresses other people's perspectives. Introspection probably offers more for understanding yourself but exercising empathy lets people see themselves from other viewpoints. I eagerly await the opening of the first empathy museum.
Great video! The idea and video is great and ultimately - I agree, however I believe that the 'Transformation Process' actually consists of people introspecting into an extend that they will be able to 'outrospect' effectively - and therefore create a change that's needed... Essentially, knowing yourself allows you to relate, understand, forgive ... and try to help others to realise and see what you do...
The Zeitgeist Movement increased my social empathy greatly. I'm encourage all to learn about TZM.
love the idea of borrowing someone for a conversation
What this is fundamentally suggesting I think is action. Introspection coupled with empathetic action. Not that vacant, isolated empathy you get by just sitting and theorizing (something you see in many university class).
Interesting how history accommodates all kinds of interpretations
just powerful stuff
some really cool ideas in here
FANTASTIC!!!