“In a country like the United States that thrives in its citizens’ individualism and competitive spirit, empathy is often seen as a luxury or a frill–a personality trait that is admirable, sure, but far from essential. In fact, the ability to understand the minds of others and then to care about what the world looks like from their perspective is a fundamental building block of normal personality, not to mention crucial to attaining happiness and staying healthy.”
We live in an increasingly me-focused society. What’s in it for me? Many people engage in conversations not necessarily listening to what the other person is saying, but rather concentrating on what to say next. While there is nothing wrong with looking out for yourself and taking care of your own self interests, this kind of perspective is inherently self-limiting for a social species such as we are.
The excerpt above comes from the book The Science of You
by Time Magazine and it explores “the factors that shape your personality.” In the article “What Is She Thinking?” by Maia Szalavitz, we are told about the Roots of Empathy (R.O.E.) program. A young baby and his or her mother are introduced to a class of school-aged children and, through guided observation, these children learn about empathy. They learn how to look into the minds of mother and infant, trying to figure out what they are thinking and what they are feeling.
The children who go through this program tend to display fewer antisocial problems and there are far fewer issues related to bullying. In short, they become more aware, more compassionate human beings. They care more about other people and they recognize that it is important to see things from the other person’s perspective as their viewpoints may differ. In this way, they learn that empathy is indeed not a luxury or a frill, but rather a “fundamental building block of normal personality.”
Indeed, even without getting into the warm and fuzzies of getting know one another, empathy can be a powerful tool in modern society. The salesperson who can truly understand the needs of the customer will be more successful in closing the deal. The documentarian or journalist who can truly understand the experience of the subject can better relay that sentiment to viewers and readers. The school teacher who can really get into the minds of students can better cater the lesson plan (or discipline) to give those students the best shot.
And if we’re all better at what we do by leveraging the powers of empathy, doesn’t that just make the world a better place for everyone? Look beyond yourself, care for your fellow man and strive to see things from their point of view.
I have to totally disagree with the quote. Empathy is not a fundamental building block of the normal personality. You don’t need empathy to care about others or to help them.
Also, while the people of America are given the ability to be competitive and taught to think like an individual, we are also taught that we should care about others. I see it every day in school told to students, through interaction, through projects and study, through Kelso choices.
The study you quote is nothing more than community involvement by the students. Go spend some time with people in a retirement home or do service calls as I do in a senior dominated section of FL. and you understand what they go through.
It’s all about whether as a person you really see the world or you are just cruising through.