The Age of Empathy : Nature's Lessons for a Kinder Society - Frans de Waal

The Age of Empathy

Nature's Lessons for a Kinder Society

By: Frans de Waal

Paperback | 5 November 2019

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Empathy is not just a human trait--it is a key element of many species' success.

Empathy holds us together. That we are hardwired to be altruistic is the result of thousands of years of evolutionary biology which has kept society from slipping into anarchy. But we are not alone: primates, elephants, even rodents are empathetic creatures too.

Social behaviours such as the herding instinct, bonding rituals, expressions of consolation and even conflict resolution demonstrate that animals are designed to feel for each other. From chimpanzees caring for mates that have been wounded by leopards, elephants reassuring youngsters in distress and dolphins preventing sick companions from drowning, with a wealth of anecdotes, scientific observations, wry humour and incisive intelligence, The Age of Empathy is essential reading for all who believe in the power of our connections to each other.
Industry Reviews
His writing and science are infectiously good -- Adam Rutherford * Guardian *
There is a widely held assumption that humans are hard-wired for relentless and ruthless competition... Frans de Waal sees nature differently - as a biological legacy in which empathy, not mere self interest, is shared by humans, bonobos and animals -- Ben Macintyre * The Times *
A pioneer in primate studies, Frans de Waal sees our better side in chimps, especially our capacity for empathy * Wall Street Journal *
Freshly topical ... a corrective to the idea that all animals - human and otherwise - are selfish and unfeeling to the core * Economist *
Warm, engaging and empathetic ... the more we learn about nature, the more richly we're able to imagine a better society * Independent *

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