A radical experiment in empathy: Sam Richards at TEDxPSU

Sam Richards is a sociologist and award-winning teacher who has been inspiring undergraduate students at Penn State since 1990. Every semester, 725 students register for his Race and Ethnic Relations course, one of the most popular classes at Penn State and the largest of its kind in the country. Through his natural ability of seeing a subject from many angles, Richards encourages students to engage more fully with the world and to think for themselves - something he did not do until his third year in college. Because of his passion for challenging students to open their minds, an interviewer recently referred to him as "an alarm clock for eighteen-year-olds."
His career began at the age of 24 when he was hired to teach a cybernetics course - just 15 minutes before the first class meeting. He remembers walking into the room without having had a moment to create a lesson plan and greeting his students, "Welcome to the course. I'm your instructor. And if you have no idea what cybernetics is, you're not alone - because I don't either." This characteristic willingness to be playfully transparent in the classroom, along with a talent for making complex ideas understandable and relevant, is the foundation of his success as a teacher.
Richards is also the co-director of the World in Conversation Project at Penn State (www.worldinconversation.org), whose mission is to create a kind of dialogue about social and cultural issues that invites the unexamined, politically incorrect thoughts of participants to the surface so that those thoughts can be submitted to conscious exploration and inquiry. The conversation topics span a range of cultural issues - from U.S. race relations to gender to faith to international racism. This year, nearly 7,000 University Park students will participate in one of more than 1,300 of these unscripted conversations. Furthermore, the project also sponsors video dialogues between Penn State students and students at other universities around the world.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)
Arabic translation: Noof Fawzi Alkhamis
Malay translation: Iliani Wan Ahmad Murtadza

[@ivalerie214]

I'm lucky to say that I was one of the 725 students who took Sam's class last semester. And for those of you who think that Sam is trying to "manipulate you" into thinking that empathy is the main problem that we have when it comes to war, you're wrong. As with any TED talk, speakers INVITE the audience to listen to their ideas. It's YOUR choice to listen, to engage, to understand, and to share their ideas. Once the speaker has left the stage, it is up to YOU to decide if you want to enlighten yourself with those ideas.

[@iunlearn]

Lovely and thoughtful comment.

[@irenedavo3768]

Valerie Buenafe please watch video of Jim Nduruchi called Viola re Jigger Victims in Kenya

[@davidcalado6917]

That is true, every single thing in internet for us to listen, to watch, to go into to, it's up to us. The TED talks we hear, the ideas we seek for, the life's perspectives we're searching for, are all here. Once again, it's up to you to grab the ideas or just identify with them. Well said Valerie

[@teddayer6523]

Valerie Buenafe well put. I agree with you. In my job every day i try to prevent my patients to be infjantilzed (the way society leads them to be) so the feel more responsable of their actions. As you say Valérie, you don’t need to feel manipulated each time someone says something accurate that you didn’t think of. Richards is a marvelous human being.

[@cyrusterrani9721]

You ARE lucky and right in your assertions. The choice is ours to give or to take in this life. Unfotunately it's not always easy to give with a society that praises the consumption and the self-interest. This speach made my cry. And i am a 53 year old experienced MD.

[@tessh483]

I bet having class with this man's incredible

[@notbayan]

it is

[@AliMalik-lx7xr]

Soc119. Search it. You will find him and his lectures.

[@chipheuston4064]

If you like classes where the professor just talks the whole time and you get quizzed on readings you read for homework and nothing in the class. It's his stage so if you enjoy that, youll enjoy the class.

[@nomo9344]

@@chipheuston4064 ......and a stage is all it is. You, sir, appear to be the kind of person that can see through the nonsense. Think "dramaturgical analysis" from your intro to SOC class. You have restored my faith in the critically thinking student, albeit briefly, as the more posts I read will likely steer me in an opposite direction.

[@Lydario]

The rage, passion, and concern saturated his voice in a way that no one should be able to deny. He takes all that "be nice" hollow metaphor you learn in school, and really illuminates it in an accessible way. This is powerful!

[@nomo9344]

.....and Marlon Brando had a great performance in Apocalypse Now.

[@Dali84]

I volunteer to translate this to Arabic because if someone volunteers to add it the video (dunno how to do that). I believe we all need to step out of our shoes and have a more open perspective about the world. I'm really pleased to see something that is not a hate message towards us, Arab Muslims. Thanks Clevonamerica for sharing this!

[@wtfarockfish]

One of the most fascinating TED talks I've seen in a while.

[@petestrat07]

This video should be played in schools everywhere. This kind of thinking seems so rare that it's frightening.

[@tiyale]

This is very analogous to the militarization of the inner city spaces in the USA. We tell stories of "those people" but rarely do we ever try to understand what its like to be there.

[@rasoolmuhammad3061]

Such a brilliant talk with understandable examples, empathy exists in every one of us and I hope we all can increase our empathy to people who we love and who who we don't.

[@nickknauer15]

I have him as a professor this semester. Sam Richards is the man!

[@FeelTalks]

100%!!! Beautiful talk!!! We need to start seeing ourselves not as merely individuals, but PART of a greater COLLECTIVE. Empathy is what makes us human... Sending love to all who needs it

[@alijalali55]

Best way to make things going on around us easy to understand, "Empathy". Thanks for your guidance.

[@askewdale]

It's scary that there are people who could give this a thumbs down. That's really worrying. This is a very important video/understanding.

[@nengx9692]

I'm astounded that this video does not have millions of views.

[@aardvarkcustard9696]

The man is doing therapy - getting us to be insightful about our thoughts, beliefs and actions.

[@afroloewe]

I can't believe this video is already almost 3 years old but only has so few views. What a great talk.

[@verity2007]

Thank you for this video, the message at the end is something we all forget about! 'Step outside your tiny little world and step inside the tiny little world of somebody else... and suddenly with out realizing it you're seeing the world differently.'

[@Madha74]

THANK YOU SIR FOR UNDERSTANDING AND EXPLAINING OUR POINT OF VIEW

[@haidarjan]

Thank you for making the pupil more understanding, you make me happy for saying what i thing about the reality of the situation in Iraq greetings a person from Iraq

[@CSD221]

Fantastic speech! One of the very best I have seen! Congratulations, Mr. Richards.

[@alinasiddiqui2919]

This guy's talk beats every roller coaster ever in human history

[@Coreacook]

Sometimes I feel happiness when I listen to beautiful lecture like this

[@sisaybelay5035]

Be empathy is essential part of to be sociologist ,i am from Ethiopian , i would like to add one thing human being cant live alone but some people miss this point. thank you for your sweet speech............ empathy

[@astaff25]

Sam is anything but typical he actually acts on his beliefs and helps people in other countries. His speeches are just to get people thinking about things they usually don't think about. He would never tell you how you should think but questions you on all your beliefs and thoughts to get you thinking about what you truly believe.

[@BOOMAYHEW]

Great lecture. Empathy is a powerful thing.

[@tobeornottobetobeornottobe974]

I appreciate what this wonderful man said

[@AshleyWade]

I had Sam Richard's for my Soc 001 class. The first day of class he asked people to raise their hands in regards to why they thought we'd gone to war. Oil won out, no contest. He agreed to that. He's well aware that it was for the oil.

[@lpsftw8572]

this was amazing. I've only been studying sociology for a week and i have learned so much. this was amazing because it helped me with empathy.I have autism which makes it hard for me to understand others emotions,so for me to be able to feel empathy from the different perspectives proposed in this video...is just amazing.

[@MelaneeH]

This is fantastic ! Truth is truth.

[@thincouchpotato]

As a graduate student, I'll probably not be able to his course. But it was a pleasure listening to him at TEDx.

[@EamonBurke]

My lack of empathy makes one side of these examples as easy to understand as the other. Empathy is the key to curing this problem because the problem is malfunction of empathy to begin with.

[@luispina8400]

great talk

[@IRAQisthe1]

Thank you for revealing the truth. I truly respect you!!!!!!!!

[@ossielmais]

this is a very touching speech

[@jordycakes15]

This is such a great video. I really struggled to feel these different scenarios but when I did it was eye-opening and mind blowing for me! Thank you so much TED

[@destr0yed]

This little word, empathy, gives chill to my spine. I am trying to reconnect this word to nihilism, passivity and permissive society

[@LoveyDoveyfam]

You are one of your Kind Sam, Stay Blessed!

[@UmmahPrime]

best video i have ever seen. 16:36 there he should get the last skeptic.

[@khalidshehab2669]

Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to take a minute and challenge myself to “ put myself in other peoples shoes” you’re sharing a very beautiful message and I wish you all the best in spreading the message. Best, Khaled

[@madamekipperoni7598]

I absolutely love his passion and tone on this topic

[@tyniecraft]

This is the greatest Ted Talk of all Ted Talks.

[@thankyoumrsg6590]

i am crying this is so touching! best TED ralk ever ever

[@faridasessions200]

An awesome way to learn about empathy. You might like this, people!

[@gregsedefian]

This is perhaps one of the most truthful videos that I have ever seen. So unbiased coming from the source is such a fresh breath of air. I, myself don't see anything but the truth & fairness in all people. This video should be mandatory for everyone to take a see & if you have any ounce of love & justice, you will shut your filthy mouth & open your ears & eyes. So shut the hell up & listen for once in your life. It might do you good. Since you profess so adamantly of your lover of God.

[@q8holic]

sam richards is the man!!!! i attended some classes and he really stimulates ur mind and make you see different perspectives of everything!

[@bluevalentine9]

Best 19 minutes I spent today.

[@JoumanaSK]

Respect for you ! good talk

[@bomeister42]

Emapthy: something every human needs to learn

[@alilpup]

Spelling: something everyone needs to learn

[@mathewharrison]

Not everyone can. The Narcissist for example. They can't change.

[@cuwhenigetthere]

I'm an American and this video has been an eye opener for me. I am thankful for this mans work in teaching us all about how we feel as humans as a whole. SHARE THIS VIDEO WITH YOUR FRIENDS I'LL DO THE SAME. So that we can begin to have empathy for one another/ to understand and work towards bettering our world for ourselves and our children, where we can all feel safe and to love, have happiness. Peace my friend :)

[@bobcobb3757]

Very good. Empathy is most definitely the basis of understanding. I also believe it is inexorably linked to the "Golden Rule".

[@StelenaVD]

I wish more people would listen to this guy.

[@hama4994]

Wow, I am impressed . Thank you Dr.Richards.

[@Elvanius]

@Tmmz1107 Hahah I totally agree, I remember attending Dr. Clemente's class and just losing myself to his experiences and stories, it got as far as people just attending his lectures without even finding space to sign in his class, however you have to give Sam Richards some credit hes a phenomenal speaker!

[@NadaHassan-xn8gr]

as an Egyptian.. as a muslim.. I want to say Thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@kinhotas]

Brilliant.... love this guy. Said it all... I wish everyone had the spirit of the native americans

[@IhniWinterwind]

Everyone should watch this.

[@Dagens24]

I don't see what is so amazing about this lecture. Are people so unempathetical that these view points have never crossed their minds before seeing this lecture? Really?

[@AllahMohammedAli]

this is such a good lecture, thank you Clevon for this link!

[@Ghostb]

@MyobuUzumaki While I mostly agree with you, I think that existing empathy in people needs to be cultivated and nurtured just like any other education and either right now in the western world or just right now in this particular era, that is something we are very dismissive about. I think Sam Richards does a very good job at explaining exactly why it is so crucial that it be given priority especially with what's going on in the world and our responsibility in it.

[@ddpsp]

This is one of the most thoughtful and insightful talks on the subject I have ever seen. Sam Richards presents his viewpoint with devastating comprehensiveness.

[@ufos22]

The most important video an American will ever see. 20 minutes to change your life.

[@Werzion]

One of the best and most important TEDtalks ever!

[@nicoleswirl8769]

THANK YOU

[@JohnCahillChapel]

Thank you. A very important talk.

[@camrow]

It saddens me to see any dislikes for the video.. whether or not you agree with his opinion, it's still an extremely thought-inspiring speech if you ignore the politics and actually make the effort to empathize

[@larryyamada7838]

Thanks Mitsue, .....too bad most people don't see from this perspective

[@chrismcmurtry432]

Empathy is the foundation of all ethics

[@pashun88]

This experiment could be applied to so many conflicts in our world.

[@kldeutsch]

Sam Richards has done it again... amazing talk!!!!

[@parisgala88]

you're 100% right.

[@SpiritLadyArtist]

This fits in with the Venus Project. It was posted in my group that is working for spirituality goals moving towards the venus project and it fits very well. A good talk.

[@xxxonfx]

awesome talk.. if humans could take this step in every aspect of life, then teh world would be more peaceful to live in

[@LootFragg]

I cried when I pictured the freedom fighter hugging his kid telling him not to worry because he will be back, then leaving the house never to return.

[@mafiaman2]

Interception of perception is the key to logical sequence and rationality. Understand what that means and you can understand everything

[@balderdashery1]

There are many people who need to learn to do this. Peace.

[@donniwaltz1911]

if you are a soldier in another country-you are the monster commiting war crimes-if you are a soldier standing in your own country -you are a hero trying to defend against the monster. it's pretty simple.

[@clevonamerica]

this video is the most important video on youtube..i am changing my path because of it...bravo bret

[@thankyoumrsg6590]

GOD BLESS THIS MAN!

[@ByChoiceMuslim]

Excellent lecture

[@smartzazi]

inspiring lecture, thank you Sam.

[@crudhousefull]

@wretchedyo Agree agree agree. Love that the world's waking up to this

[@rubenharris9419]

I feel as if however some of us may feel we are not able to act and change for the better because most would remain silent for the same age old question what can one person do

[@AsifHussain184]

wow speechless ....... Excellent way to brought forward the real picture.....good job man!!!

[@ianrhett]

Mike, thank you for stepping up @18 to do what you thought was right, and for being willing to put your life on the line for your comrades, family, community and country. I am so grateful there are so many incredible men and women willing to do that. I'm so sorry we send you on these kinds of missions. I much prefer the incredible tactical support the military gives in times of disaster.That should be the top mission! Anyway, I hope you find peace with all of it. Please be kind to yourself, too.

[@remfanbeforu]

It is true, we have to stop social engineering. We have to stop making assumptions. We need to riser higher and coexist or we are doomed.

[@TheUrbanNinjia]

I have his race relations class and I can't wait for more talks like these!

[@lucianamarianoart]

AMAZING! Thank you!

[@DvChappelle]

@MyobuUzumaki wow haha, I was going to post something similar to that but you took the words right out of my mouth. It's great and all that we understand, but it does nothing if both sides aren't doing it. We'll just be rolling over while they're still mad at us. I think they need these seminars too if we're going to get any understanding and some diplomatic results if this were to really work.

[@iunlearn]

@thisisbunk Absolutely. I would totally agree with him/you on that. Empathy is what would drive me to feel obliged to extend rights to others (i.e., Would I want x or y right if I were that person?).

[@nickknauer15]

So pumped for his SOC 119 class next semester

[@enlighteneveryone]

@x13nick13x Yep. It's the perspective of a sociologist. To put your feet into someone else's shoes. It's the truest perspective and experience of empathy.

[@iunlearn]

@dgrove21 I think the point in the first three minutes is that Americans would probably be doing this to the Chinese under those conditions. It's not about a culture but about circumstances. Some 100,000+ civilians have died in these wars and Americans are joyous in the streets, singing, saluting flags, dancing all of the time. As a family member of one of those innocents, I'm sure you'd feel something about all of that celebration. That's the point of the talk.

[@DeLePlays]

this video changed my life. wow.

[@cryofpaine]

We've lost the ability to empathize because we're too isolated. We watch only our favorite channels, read only our favorite websites, listen to only our favorite talk shows. We expose ourselves only to those sources of information that already agree with us, and they in turn drag us even farther apart, nudging us with baby steps. You already think x and y, and here's z to think about. We need to get people thinking for themselves again. We need to stop isolating ourselves, and start listening.

[@cecisota12]

I believe this would be the appropriate time for America to see this video...

[@bubbleosvn]

First one of these "Tedx" talks other than the beatboxing ones that's worth watching.

[@anandodasgupta]

lovely video

[@underwater222]

That was Brave, amazing and very helpful Thanks.

[@heykellie]

Amazing lecture, being a Pakistani i can now understand the feelings of Anti American feelings that alot of my countrymen have. I wish things could have been better!

[@cryofpaine]

Everyone who feels strongly about an issue should take the time to try and honestly argue that issue from the opposite viewpoint. To really try and prepare a convincing argument against the view they normally hold. For a few, it might change their mind completely. For others, they might find a few points they agree with and modify their stance. But at the least, hopefully most would be able to at least respect and understand the view, even if they don't agree with it.

[@dhunganaalok]

Amazing talk!! god bless you :]