This issue of  Associate!  explores the related ideas of empathy and altruism and how they need to manifest themselves in the culture of today - not as an add-on when all else is done - but as the necessary corollary in a global economic life in which division of labour has reached a certain culmination.Such an idea tends to be framed in moral terms, but as the contributors demonstrate, it is in fact what the economics of the day demands. Indeed both the words 'altruism' and 'empathy' are with the 'global economy' new arrivals in the English language.

Rudolf Steiner's analysis focuses on the historical transition that has made it necessary to find an economic thinking appropriate to a worldwide division of labour in which traditional moral ordinances no longer play a role. In a rare case of mainstream publishing referenced to associative economics, Alasdair Clayre's commentary on Folkert Wilken has lost none of its topicality in the twenty or more years since it was written. In the feature, Jeremy Rifkin neatly captures the thought that in an economy that is global, a global consciousness is needed in contrast to the 18th century thinking of Adam Smith, which focuses on the individual, the nation and the self-interest. In his piece, John Bloom explores the 'culture of giving' from different aspects, concluding that "gift is essential to survival. Without gift, life withers; without gift, culture stagnates; without gift, economy languishes." Friends' Page this month has a range of topics, some of them 'on message' as regards our overall theme, others evidence of growing use of the pages as a readers’ forum. Accounting Corner indicates how empathetic economics can be reflected, and even enacted, in day-to-day accounting.

3) The Colours of Money Seminar (London) 

London 

The Colours of Money Seminar is now available in a modular format in London between April and July 2010, see see here for details

4) Finance and Education Seminar - London

14 March Towards an Independent Youth College

Details here:

http://www.anthromedia.com/index.php?id=7389

On-going research concerning finance and education, with particular reference to the Waldorf movement and Rudolf Steiner's insights. Education is facing growing pressures, the essence of which is to undermine a free spiritual life. Many ofthe pressures are financial in guise, but also rely on an inadequate understanding of law and equity. In this project the case of Waldorf (Steiner) education is explored, both as a case in point and for the contribution it might make to the wider debate.