I've been aware of the research on 'mirror neurons' for quite a few years. No scientist makes the claim that it has anything to do with 'mind reading'.   Rather, what it is, is something in our own mind that becomes stimulated by somebody elses' activity.

For the most part I agree with Jack----but I think it is genuinely the 'roots' of empathy, and some people have this to a greater degree than others.

And I think Lighter is right on about the media. Always suspicious of the way research findings are reported by the mass media.