Empathic Civilization: Global Shift in Consciousness?

I came across this video after a friend of mine had uploaded it to my Facebook. Now, I've been a fan of RSA animations before, but this one was really amazing.

Now, the premise of the video, is that we as human beings have what is called an empathic distress; we feel for other people because we are all aware that we will die at one point. The video claims we can eventually extend our empathy towards the entire human race and the planet Earth as well.

I love the idea. I am not sure how close we are to getting towards it, but I certainly appreciate the sentiment. There is a global shift in consciousness going on right now. People are connected to each other in an ever globalizing world. My thoughts are instantly available on the Internet, along with millions of other thoughts.

The internet represents the physical manifestation of what many in the psychedelic drug world refer to as "oneness". The idea is that we are all connected, made of the same thing; one. I don't know how feasible that is in reality, but I do know that with the Internet, we are far more connected than ever before. This means that I can see through the eyes of many people in many different situations than myself. I am able to vicariously experience another person's life. This vicarious experience creates empathy in me.

Does it do the same for you?