In 2014, the RA showcased the work of German artist, Anselm Kiefer. Kiefer’s extraordinary body of work includes painting, sculpture and quite simply monumental installations. Uncompromising in the subject matter he tackles, Kiefer’s work powerfully captures the human experience and draws on history, mythology, literature, philosophy and science.

Anselm Kiefer

Edge2010 The New Science Of Morality - Jonathan Haidt

In 2014, the RA held a major retrospective of the works of German artist Anselm Kiefer, and a host of debates and lectures exploring his work. This panel discussion reconsiders Anselm Kiefer’s 1969 book ‘Heroic Symbols’, which documented his provocative performance art project known as ‘Occupations’. Panelists include art historians Christian Weikop, Lara Day and Andrew Renton.

Anselm Kiefer’s Heroic Symbols

In a discussion chaired by the RA’s Tim Marlow, Anselm Kiefer and David Chipperfield RA explore the ways in which art and architecture interact in Kiefer’s practice. Watch the video: http://bit.ly/1T3ToOQ

Anselm Kiefer in conversation with David Chipperfield

Panelists Christian Weikop, Lara Day and Andrew Renton reconsider Anselm Kiefer’s 1969 book ‘Heroic Symbols’ which documented a provocative performance art project known as ‘Occupations’.

Anselm Kiefer’s 'Heroic Symbols'

How does artist Anselm Kiefer use mythology, history, literature, philosophy and science in his work? What meanings do lead, straw, fire, earth, and water hold for him? Exhibition curator Kathleen Soriano uncovers the artist’s world and considers his oeuvre. Soriano explores the meanings behind Kiefer’s complex, layered yet sublime paintings, sculpture and installations in this discussion, originally held at the RA as part of our exhibition programme.

Curator Kathleen Soriano on Kiefer’s iconography

Read by Karen Cass 

About the Book

A controversial call to arms, Against Empathy argues that the natural impulse to share the feelings of others can lead to immoral choices in both public policy and in our intimate relationships with friends and family. 

Most people, including many policy makers, activists, scientists, and philosophers, have encouraged us to be more empathetic - to feel the pain and pleasure of others. Yale researcher and author Paul Bloom argues that this is a mistake. Far from leading us to improve the lives of others, empathy is a capricious and irrational emotion that appeals to our narrow prejudices. It muddles our judgment and often leads to cruelty. We are at our best when we are smart enough not to rely on it and draw upon a more distanced compassion. 

Based on groundbreaking scientific findings, Against Empathy makes the case that some of the worst decisions that individuals and nations make - who to give money to, when to go to war, how to respond to climate change, and who to put in prison - are too often motivated by honest yet misplaced emotions. With clear and witty prose, Bloom demonstrates how empathy distorts our judgment in every aspect of our lives, from philanthropy and charity to the justice system; from culture and education to foreign policy and war. Without empathy, Bloom insists, our decisions would be clearer, fairer, and ultimately more moral. 

Bound to be controversial, Against Empathy shows us that when it comes to major policy decisions and the choices we make in our everyday lives, limiting our empathetic emotions is often the most compassionate choice we can make.

Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion

AGAINST EMPATHY by Paul Bloom

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Anselm Kiefer in conversation with David Chipperfield

Royal Academy of Arts