Empathy
Experiencing the world through other people’s stories takes a step closer to feeling what they feel. That’s empathy. With empathy we can make sense of our lives as we work toward a better life for all. These are useful resources and tools for exploring empathy building within individuals, groups and communities.
Books
Sharing the Rock
My books are riddled with pencil scratchings where I underline passages and write notes in the margins to help me internalize what I’m reading. I marked up nearly every page of this book. An open-hearted and practical read, I learned that my goal of working for the common good via Feast of Humanity needs to be centered on my own values, vision and voice. At the same time, I need to work with others to bring people in from the margins, create a trusting space for dialogue and action, and use hope and possibility as my lens for gazing into the future.
TED Talks
Sam Richards: A radical experiment in empathy
Can two countries at war dare to empathize with one another? Step by methodical step, sociologist Sam Richards gives his audience an extraordinary challenge: to allow a group of (mainly) Americans to understand -- not approve of, but understand -- the motivations of an Iraqi insurgent. A powerful talk.
daniel goleman: why aren't we more compassionate?
Daniel Goleman, author of "Emotional Intelligence," asks why we aren't more compassionate more of the time.
joan Halifax: 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.
