Scan barcode
A review by tramanhvo
Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It by Roman Krznaric
3.0
I've noticed in my life that a lack of understanding for the other person's circumstances can lead to conflict and misery that is not ideal for both parties. I had a realisation about the significance of the idea of negative externalities; not only in the economical realm, where people in regions least responsible for climate change suffer its effects most due to the lack of understanding from fast-fashion customers, but also in the realm of personal relationships, where we sometimes idealise them because we do not realise the emotional devastation the other party has endured.
I appreciate that Krznaric has extended the strategies of developing empathy to both personally and collectively. The book contains useful insights for people interested in activism like me, pointing out that empathy is a good place to start if we want a successful movement, with specific examples. We have the responsibility to connect our peers to people with circumstances different from their own, or "the other", and enable them to see them eye-to-eye as individuals with unique characters. In the personal realm, from the point of reading this book, it is as if a guiding voice has turned on at the back of my head. Every time I become upset because I cannot accept another's viewpoint, the voice tells me to immerse myself in the circumstances of that person. Perhaps it is not outrageous to behave in that way if they were confined to such conditions. And would they appreciate what I am about to say or is it just the release of my own displeasure and urges?
I think this book is a decent starting point if you want to find out about the various facets of empathy. For me personally, I need to start with being empathic with the very people that surround me everyday, and extend that circle gradually. Therefore, I am going to continue my search for more specific titles and practices.
I appreciate that Krznaric has extended the strategies of developing empathy to both personally and collectively. The book contains useful insights for people interested in activism like me, pointing out that empathy is a good place to start if we want a successful movement, with specific examples. We have the responsibility to connect our peers to people with circumstances different from their own, or "the other", and enable them to see them eye-to-eye as individuals with unique characters. In the personal realm, from the point of reading this book, it is as if a guiding voice has turned on at the back of my head. Every time I become upset because I cannot accept another's viewpoint, the voice tells me to immerse myself in the circumstances of that person. Perhaps it is not outrageous to behave in that way if they were confined to such conditions. And would they appreciate what I am about to say or is it just the release of my own displeasure and urges?
I think this book is a decent starting point if you want to find out about the various facets of empathy. For me personally, I need to start with being empathic with the very people that surround me everyday, and extend that circle gradually. Therefore, I am going to continue my search for more specific titles and practices.