According to Gloria Steinem, empathy is the most revolutionary emotion. It cuts through hierarchy, and connects our hearts.
Empathy creates genuine compassion for one another, and leads us to think of what we can do to make life good for all of us. It comes naturally; it’s why we automatically reach out to someone when they fall, or hug a friend when they’re sad.
photo: flickr, Elizabeth Ann Colette's photostream
The more empathy we have, the more we want a better world — for each other, for our children and grandchildren, and for all inhabitants of the earth. When others hurt, we do too. We feel their pain and their joy. Empathy is what connects us deeply and gives our lives meaning.
During these times, empathy has the power to help us see beyond ourselves. Sometimes when life is a struggle, we feel frozen and unable to reach out. When we realize that others are struggling as much, or maybe even more than we are, we see that we’re in this together and that just by reaching out we can help. When we help each other, we help ourselves too.
Looking out for number one doesn’t cut it anymore, if it ever did. In my opinion, this attitude has lead to feelings of isolation, distrust, and anxiety. Why not give it up? Why not look for win-win situations, and for others who are empathetic as well?
The times are changing, and I like where they’re going. I hope we all find ways to reach out, whether it’s to a friend or two, or to a group that’s trying to change the world. If you can’t think of a way to reach out, why not wander down to the Occupy site and lend a hand there?
Well said, Diana! Reminds me of Brene Brown’s work on shame resiliency. She’s clear that the most important way to create connection, compassion and ordinary courage is to practice the art of empathy, both towards others and ourselves.
Sounds like a good book, Deb. As I read your comment, it struck me that having empathy towards ourselves is often the most difficult.
Yes, empathy begins at home, so to speak. I try to remind myself of that daily. I didn’t know Steinem made the comment about empathy. She has really lived large.
Ya, good thing to remind ourselves of. Gloria Steinem’s wonderful, isn’t she? I just love her.
I just remembered that I wanted to let you know about a wonderful interview with Steven Pinker at the NY Times. He’s an evolutionary psychologist — on the off-chance you haven’t heard of him; you probably have — whose new book postulates, with lots of info, apparently, that violence is actually decreasing worldwide. It’s called “The Better Angels of Our Nature.” Here’s a link to the story and video:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/29/science/human-natures-pathologist.html?ref=science
Thanks for sharing that interview, Mark. Funny, I just had a conversation with someone a few days ago about the need, or lack of there of, for police, and how a society can often police itself. I love how much is being questioned these days.
[...] appreciation for their service and felt they were better received that way. Sort of links to the empathy idea from Redefining Beauty. So I wrote them a short, new letter which I posted below. Please let [...]
I agree that it’s a good idea to keep the tone of these letters respectful. Government employees are people, too, and a lot more gets accomplished with civilized dialogue. Thanks for sharing this action, Dr. Cheesefish!