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Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It involves stepping outside of oneself to appreciate another’s emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Empathy allows for deeper connections and is crucial in fostering kindness, respect, and understanding.

When it comes to empathy, there are several key aspects to consider. Here are important points that you should consider:​

Self-Empathy

Self-empathy begins with recognizing and accepting your own emotions without judgment. By cultivating self-awareness and acknowledging your needs and feelings, you can approach others’ feelings with a genuine understanding and open heart.

Empathy and Communication

Empathy enhances communication, creating trust and emotional safety. It encourages openness, allowing for meaningful dialogues and helping others feel seen, heard, and valued. Showing empathy in conversations can also reduce conflicts and foster collaboration.

Active Listening

To show empathy, active listening is key. This involves not only hearing words but also understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. Practice staying present in conversations, showing genuine curiosity, and avoiding interruptions or assumptions.

Perspective-Taking

Empathy goes beyond understanding feelings—it includes viewing situations from others’ perspectives. Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes helps bridge gaps and provides insight into their motivations, challenges, and strengths.

Non-Judgmental Attitude

Empathy flourishes when people suspend judgment. Each person’s experience is unique, shaped by their personal background, beliefs, and circumstances. By respecting others' journeys without criticism, you can create a supportive and compassionate environment.

Empathy in the media

Look Up

by Gary Turk

A spoken-word video emphasizing the importance of real-life connections over digital interactions, it encourages empathy by focusing on the value of personal engagement.

Unsung Hero

Thai Life Insurance

A commercial that follows the life of a man who quietly helps those around him. It demonstrates how small acts of kindness and empathy can transform lives.

Life Vest Inside

Kindness Boomerang

This video shows how one act of kindness and empathy can trigger a chain reaction, illustrating the power of empathy in everyday life.

Dear 16-Year-Old Me

by the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund

While focused on melanoma awareness, the video encourages empathy by sharing real-life stories that promote understanding and support for those affected by cancer.

The Present

Animated Short

This award-winning animated short tells the story of a boy learning empathy and acceptance through a special pet. Its message is simple but deeply moving.

The Bystander Effect

SoulPancake

We’d all like to consider ourselves helpful people, but are we always quick to lend a hand whenever the opportunity arises? In this episode of The Science of Empathy, we tested, through various scenarios, just how long it would take for people to offer assistance to someone struggling right in front of them.

The Talk

by P&G My Black is Beautiful

This video addresses bias and empathy by depicting the innocence of children and the beauty of seeing beyond racial differences.

Developing more empathy

Developing empathy is a lifelong process that involves self-reflection, learning, and intentional actions. Here are some key steps in developing your value of empathy:

Engage in Mindful Reflection

Take time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings, and consider how they impact your interactions.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness encourages self-awareness and emotional regulation, both of which are essential for empathy. By staying present and attentive to your own emotions, you can better tune in to the feelings of others and approach interactions with calm and understanding.

Read and Share Diverse Stories

Reading books, watching documentaries, or listening to podcasts that focus on varied life experiences can broaden empathy. Sharing what you've learned with others can also deepen your understanding and foster collective empathy.

Learn About Different Backgrounds

Educate yourself about different cultures, lifestyles, and experiences to enhance your understanding and appreciation of others’ perspectives.

Embrace Curiosity About Others

Ask open-ended questions about other people’s experiences and listen with genuine interest. Being curious without a set agenda helps you understand their perspectives, deepen connections, and uncover common ground.

Reflect on Your Biases

Recognizing personal biases and addressing them honestly is a crucial step in developing empathy. Challenge assumptions you may have about others by learning about different cultures, histories, and life experiences.

Practice Patience and Curiosity

Allow others to express their feelings without rushing them or focusing on your own opinions. Ask questions and demonstrate interest.

Engage in Community Service

Volunteering allows you to witness different life experiences, helping to break down stereotypes and fostering empathy. Serving in shelters, hospitals, or tutoring programs can expand your understanding of others' challenges and inspire compassion.

Develop Emotional Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary to describe emotions helps with understanding both your own and others’ feelings. Being able to articulate emotions precisely allows you to connect with others more effectively and respond with greater empathy.

Be Kind to Yourself and Others

Show empathy towards yourself as you learn and grow. Extend this kindness to others, recognizing that everyone is on their unique path.

Practice Perspective-Taking Through Role Play

Role-playing exercises are excellent for developing empathy, especially with children and adolescents. By taking on different roles and perspectives, individuals learn to see through others' eyes and understand emotions they might not experience firsthand.

Spend Time with People of Different Backgrounds

Seek out opportunities to interact with people from different cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, or age groups. Exposure to diverse perspectives can challenge preconceived ideas and make empathy a more natural response.

Remember that developing empathy is a continuous journey that requires patience and self-awareness. It takes time to change ingrained habits and attitudes, but with consistent effort and a genuine commitment to being empathetic towards others, you can make a positive impact on your relationships and communities.

What people say about empathy

Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself

Mohsin Hamid

Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another."

Alfred Adler

Empathy is the antidote to shame."

Brené Brown

I think we all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it."

Maya Angelou

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around

Leo Buscaglia

Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge."

Simon Sinek

Empathy is the starting point for creating a community and taking action. It’s the impetus for creating change."

Max Carver

When you start to develop your powers of empathy and imagination, the whole world opens up to you."

Susan Sarandon

Moral Stories about empathy

The Lion and the Mouse – Aesop's Fables

Greek

In this story, a small mouse helps a powerful lion by gnawing through ropes when the lion is captured by hunters. The lion had previously spared the mouse’s life, showing how empathy and kindness can have reciprocal effects. It conveys that even the smallest acts of compassion can be deeply impactful.

The Good Samaritan – Christian Parable

Middle Eastern

In the Bible, a Samaritan stops to help a wounded traveler after others ignore him. Although Samaritans and Jews were historically adversaries, this story emphasizes that empathy transcends social and cultural divisions and that everyone is deserving of kindness and help.

The Giving Tree

American Folktale

This tale by Shel Silverstein describes the relationship between a tree and a boy as he grows older. The tree selflessly provides for the boy throughout his life, teaching empathy, unconditional love, and the importance of generosity, even without expecting anything in return.

Anansi the Spider and the Turtle

West African Folktale

This story features Anansi, a spider who learns empathy and kindness after initially being selfish with his food. When the turtle later invites him to a meal, Anansi learns the importance of treating others as he would want to be treated, illustrating the concept of reciprocal empathy.

The Two Brothers

Egyptian Folktale

This story revolves around two brothers who live on separate farms but share a deep bond. The older brother secretly helps the younger one by transferring grain to his granary each night, only to learn later that his brother has been doing the same for him. It’s a powerful story of empathy, brotherhood, and mutual support.

Tiddalick the Frog

Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime

Tiddalick, a giant frog, drinks all the water, leaving the animals desperate and thirsty. The other animals work together to make Tiddalick laugh, which finally causes him to release the water and save everyone. This story teaches empathy, the dangers of selfishness, and the importance of sharing resources.

The Compassionate Crow – Jataka Tales

Buddhist, Indian

A crow, feeling pity for a thirsty traveller, fetches water in its beak to quench the man's thirst, demonstrating that empathy isn’t limited to one’s own kind. This tale, popular in Buddhist teachings, shows how empathy and kindness are virtues that extend to all beings, regardless of differences.

The Stonecutter

Japanese Folktale

This story follows a stonecutter who wishes to be powerful but eventually realizes that his true strength lies in understanding his own place and appreciating it. It conveys empathy for oneself and the acceptance of one’s own circumstances, teaching the value of contentment and humility.

The Banyan Deer

Buddhist Story (Indian)

The Banyan Deer, a compassionate king of deer, sacrifices himself to save another deer from a hunter but is spared due to his selflessness. The story teaches empathy through sacrificial love and compassion, inspiring listeners to care for others, even at personal cost.

The Old Woman and the Sparrows

Persian Folktale (Iranian)

In this tale, an elderly woman shows kindness to a sparrow, who later brings her blessings in gratitude. It highlights empathy toward animals and the rewards that often come from acts of compassion and understanding toward all living beings.

The Fox and the Crane

Russian Folktale

This story tells of a fox who invites a crane to dinner but serves food in a way that the crane cannot eat. When the crane later reciprocates with an invitation, the fox experiences the same difficulty. The tale illustrates empathy through shared experiences and the importance of considering others’ needs.

The Story of the Prophet Muhammad and the Old Woman

Islamic Tradition

This story tells of an elderly woman who would throw garbage at the Prophet Muhammad every day as he passed her house. One day, when she didn't throw anything, he checked on her and found her sick. He showed kindness and care, despite her previous actions. This story highlights empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of caring for others.

Movies about empathy

Wonder

This movie is about a little boy named Auggie who has a facial deformity that has prevented him from going to a normal school. Many people around him struggle with their acceptance of him because he is different. However, Auggie soon becomes an unlikely hero, and his journey unites those around him. I love this story because it reminds us that we are all different and unique, that we are all born to stand out in our own way.

The Help

Set during the Civil Rights Movement, this story demonstrates the power of empathy in bridging social divides.

The Color Purple

Following the struggles and triumphs of African American women in the early 20th century, this story celebrates empathy, resilience, and forgiveness.

Inside Out

By exploring the inner emotions of a young girl, this film illustrates the importance of understanding emotions and the value of empathy in relationships.

The Pursuit of Happyness

This inspirational story of a father overcoming poverty and hardship for his son highlights resilience, sacrifice, and understanding.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Based on the friendship between journalist Tom Junod and Mr. Rogers, this film exemplifies empathy’s transformative power in building understanding and healing.

The Green Mile

Through its depiction of a compassionate prison guard and his unique bond with an inmate, this story delves into themes of empathy, justice, and humanity.

Pay It Forward

A young boy’s idea to make the world a better place by showing kindness to strangers showcases empathy and the ripple effect of compassion.

To Kill a Mockingbird

A classic that portrays empathy through the eyes of Scout Finch as she learns about prejudice, compassion, and moral courage.

Dead Poets Society

Through an unconventional teacher, this story illustrates the power of empathy, individuality, and support in helping students find their voices.

Good books

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld – A heartwarming story about a child experiencing loss and the comfort that comes from empathetic listening.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy – This book celebrates friendship, kindness, and understanding.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio – This novel explores empathy, kindness, and resilience as a boy with facial differences navigates school life.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo – This story of a lost toy rabbit who learns about love, compassion, and empathy is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes – This classic story for children explores themes of empathy, bullying, and acceptance through a young girl’s regret and desire to understand.

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley – A novel set in WWII about a young girl and her brother who find love and acceptance in unexpected places.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman – This adult novel shows how understanding others’ stories can transform even the most curmudgeonly character.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls – A memoir reflecting on family struggles and resilience, inspiring empathy for those with different life experiences.

Video resources

The Power of Vulnerability

A compelling talk on the connection between vulnerability and empathy, and how it can transform our relationships.

We’re experiencing an empathy shortage, but we can fix it together

Being a psychologist studying empathy today is a little bit like being a climatologist studying the polar ice caps,” says psychology professor Jamil Zaki. That’s because according to research, our collective empathy is eroding. But there is good news: Empathy is a skill, it can be built, and he explains how he — and others — are doing just that.

Compassion and the true meaning of empathy

Buddhist roshi Joan Halifax works with people at the last stage of life (in hospice and on death row). She shares what she's learned about compassion in the face of death and dying, and a deep insight into the nature of empathy.

Stephen Lawrence - What happened? What went wrong? | BBC

The run-up to Stephen Lawrence's murder and the police investigation that followed. Stephen Lawrence was the older brother of Stuart who was tragically murdered in South East London in racist attack. The case of Stephen led to a Public Inquiry led by the late Sir William Macpherson who concluded there was institutional racism in the London Metropolitan Police while dealing with Stuart’s case. The Lawrence family then pursued a campaign for justice for 25 years and continue to work to continue Stephens Legacy.

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