The Evolutionary Psychology of Compassion - Prof. Paul Gilbert OBE

The Weekend University

Delve into the profound connection between compassion and evolution in this enlightening talk by Paul Gilbert. Discover how Compassion Focus Therapy, deeply rooted in understanding affiliative processing, offers insights into our motivations. Explore compassion as a potent motivation, encompassing sensitivity to suffering and an unwavering commitment to alleviating it. Gilbert unveils the core elements of compassion—courage to confront suffering and a resolute dedication to its relief. Learn how compassion intertwines with self-identity, the timeless Golden Rule, and ethical considerations. Gain fresh perspective on compassion's true essence: not mere niceness, but an active engagement with and transformation of suffering. Join us for a thought-provoking journey into the depths of human empathy and evolution. --- Professor Paul Gilbert, FBPsS, PhD, OBE is a British clinical psychologist, the founder of compassion focused therapy (CFT), compassionate mind training (CMT) and author of books such as The Compassionate Mind: A New Approach to Life’s Challenges, Overcoming Depression. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology for over 40 years with a special focus on the roles of mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which Compassion Focused Therapy was developed. Professor Gilbert has written/edited 21 books and over 200 papers. In 2006 he established the Compassionate Mind Foundation as an international charity with the mission statement: “To promote wellbeing through the scientific understanding and application of compassion”. --- Interview Links: — Professor Gilbert's website: https://www.compassionatemind.co.uk — Compassion Focused Therapy: Clinical Practice and Application: https://amzn.to/3ReGXAR --- 3 Books Professor Gilbert Recommends Every Therapist Should Read: — The Discovery Of The Unconscious - Henri Ellenberger: https://amzn.to/3uzAWVF — Archetype: A Natural History of the Self - Anthony Stevens: https://amzn.to/3PeTL8F — Civilized to Death - Chris Ryan: https://amzn.to/3yuzOnE