empathy and modernity english essay writing

Essays About Empathy: Top 5 Examples Plus Prompts

If you’re writing essays about empathy , check out our essay examples and prompts to get started. 

Empathy is the ability to understand and share other people’s emotions. It is the very notion which To Kill a Mockingbird character Atticus Finch was driving at when he advised his daughter Scout to “climb inside [other people’s] skin and walk around in it.” 

Being able to feel the joy and sorrow of others and see the world from their perspective are extraordinary human capabilities that shape our social landscape. But beyond its effect on personal and professional relationships, empathy motivates kind actions that can trickle positive change across society . 

If you are writing an article about empathy, here are five insightful essay examples to inspire you: 

1. Do Art and Literature Cultivate Empathy? by Nick Haslam

2. empathy: overrated by spencer kornhaber, 3. in our pandemic era, why we must teach our children compassion by rebecca roland, 4. why empathy is a must-have business strategy by belinda parmar, 5. the evolution of empathy by frans de waal, 1. teaching empathy in the classroom., 2. how can companies nurture empathy in the workplace, 3. how can we develop empathy, 4. how do you know if someone is empathetic, 5. does empathy spark helpful behavior , 6. empathy vs. sympathy., 7. empathy as a winning strategy in sports. , 8. is there a decline in human empathy, 9. is digital media affecting human empathy, 10. your personal story of empathy..

“Exposure to literature and the sorts of movies that do not involve car chases might nurture our capacity to get inside the skins of other people. Alternatively, people who already have well-developed empathic abilities might simply find the arts more engaging…”

Haslam, a psychology professor, laid down several studies to present his thoughts and analysis on the connection between empathy and art. While one study has shown that literary fiction can help develop empathy, there’s still lacking evidence to show that more exposure to art and literature can help one be more empathetic. You can also check out these essays about character .

“Empathy doesn’t even necessarily make day-to-day life more pleasant, they contend, citing research that shows a person’s empathy level has little or no correlation with kindness or giving to charity.”

This article takes off from a talk of psychology experts on a crusade against empathy. The experts argue that empathy could be “innumerate, parochial, bigoted” as it zooms one to focus on an individual’s emotions and fail to see the larger picture. This problem with empathy can motivate aggression and wars and, as such, must be replaced with a much more innate trait among humans: compassion.

“Showing empathy can be especially hard for kids… Especially in times of stress and upset, they may retreat to focusing more on themselves — as do we adults.”

Roland encourages fellow parents to teach their kids empathy, especially amid the pandemic, where kindness is needed the most. She advises parents to seize everyday opportunities by ensuring “quality conversations” and reinforcing their kids to view situations through other people’s lenses. 

“Mental health, stress and burnout are now perceived as responsibilities of the organization. The failure to deploy empathy means less innovation, lower engagement and reduced loyalty, as well as diluting your diversity agenda.”

The spike in anxiety disorders and mental health illnesses brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has given organizations a more considerable responsibility: to listen to employees’ needs sincerely. Parmar underscores how crucial it is for a leader to take empathy as a fundamental business strategy and provides tips on how businesses can adjust to the new norm. 

“The evolution of empathy runs from shared emotions and intentions between individuals to a greater self/other distinction—that is, an “unblurring” of the lines between individuals.”

The author traces the evolutionary roots of empathy back to our primate heritage — ultimately stemming from the parental instinct common to mammals. Ultimately, the author encourages readers to conquer “tribal differences” and continue turning to their emotions and empathy when making moral decisions.

10 Interesting Writing prompts on Essays About Empathy

Check out below our list of exciting prompts to help you buckle down to your writing:

This essay discuss teaching empathy in the classroom. Is this an essential skill that we should learn in school? Research how schools cultivate children’s innate empathy and compassion. Then, based on these schools’ experiences, provide tips on how other schools can follow suit. 

An empathetic leader is said to help boost positive communication with employees, retain indispensable talent and create positive long-term outcomes. This is an interesting topic to research, and there are plenty of studies on this topic online with data that you can use in your essay. So, pick these best practices to promote workplace empathy and discuss their effectiveness.

Write down a list of deeds and activities people can take as their first steps to developing empathy. These activities can range from volunteering in their communities to reaching out to a friend in need simply. Then, explain how each of these acts can foster empathy and kindness. 

Based on studies, list the most common traits, preferences, and behaviour of an empathetic person. For example, one study has shown that empathetic people prefer non-violent movies. Expound on this list with the support of existing studies. You can support or challenge these findings in this essay for a compelling argumentative essay. Make sure to conduct your research and cite all the sources used. 

Empathy is a buzzword closely associated with being kind and helpful. However, many experts in recent years have been opining that it takes more than empathy to propel an act of kindness and that misplaced empathy can even lead to apathy. Gather what psychologists and emotional experts have been saying on this debate and input your analysis. 

Empathy and sympathy have been used synonymously, even as these words differ in meaning. Enlighten your readers on the differences and provide situations that clearly show the contrast between empathy and sympathy. You may also add your take on which trait is better to cultivate.

Empathy has been deemed vital in building cooperation. A member who empathizes with the team can be better in tune with the team’s goals, cooperate effectively and help drive success. You may research how athletic teams foster a culture of empathy beyond the sports fields. Write about how coaches are integrating empathy into their coaching strategy. 

Several studies have warned that empathy has been on a downward trend over the years. Dive deep into studies that investigate this decline. Summarize each and find common points. Then, cite the significant causes and recommendations in this study. You can also provide insights on whether this should cause alarm and how societies should address the problem. 

There is a broad sentiment that social media has been driving people to live in a bubble and be less empathetic — more narcissistic. However, some point out that intensifying competition and increasing economic pressures are more to blame for reducing our empathetic feelings. Research and write about what experts have to say and provide a personal touch by adding your experience. 

Acts of kindness abound every day. But sometimes, we fail to capture or take them for granted. Write about your unforgettable encounters with empathetic people. Then, create a storytelling essay to convey your personal view on empathy. This activity can help you appreciate better the little good things in life. 

Check out our general resource of essay writing topics and stimulate your creative mind! 

See our round-up of the best essay checkers to ensure your writing is error-free.

The Heartbeat of Humanity: Deciphering the Essence of Empathy

This essay about the profound essence of empathy, portraying it as a vital force shaping human connections and societal dynamics. It emphasizes empathy’s role in fostering understanding, compassion, and solidarity across diverse domains, including healthcare, education, and social justice activism. Through empathic engagement, individuals bridge the gaps of isolation, cultivate inclusive communities, and advocate for justice and equity. Empathy emerges as a guiding principle that enriches human relationships, inspires positive change, and nurtures a more compassionate and interconnected world.

How it works

Empathy, akin to a subtle melody woven into the fabric of human existence, reveals itself as a beacon illuminating the pathways of connection and understanding. Its essence, akin to a delicate dance of emotions, transcends the confines of language, culture, and circumstance. To unravel the intricacies of empathy is to embark on a journey of profound discovery, one that unveils the depths of human consciousness and the power of compassionate resonance.

At its core, empathy emerges as a radiant force, igniting flames of understanding and solidarity amidst the tumultuous landscapes of human relationships.

It is more than a fleeting sentiment or a fleeting act of kindness; rather, it embodies a profound recognition of the shared human experience, where joy and sorrow intertwine, and the boundaries between self and other blur into insignificance. In essence, empathy serves as a bridge that spans the chasm of isolation, inviting individuals to traverse the terrain of emotional connection and forge bonds that transcend the constraints of individuality.

The tapestry of empathy, woven from the threads of understanding and compassion, finds expression in myriad forms across diverse domains of human endeavor. From the hallowed halls of healthcare institutions to the bustling corridors of corporate boardrooms, its presence permeates every facet of societal interaction, shaping attitudes, behaviors, and outcomes in profound ways. Within the realm of healthcare, empathy emerges as a guiding principle, informing the practices of physicians, nurses, and caregivers as they navigate the complexities of human suffering and healing. Through empathic engagement, healthcare professionals not only alleviate physical pain but also tend to the emotional and spiritual needs of their patients, fostering a sense of dignity, respect, and trust in the healing process.

Moreover, empathy assumes paramount importance within the realm of education, where it serves as a cornerstone of effective teaching and learning. Educators endowed with empathic attunement possess a unique ability to connect with their students on a deeper level, fostering a nurturing environment where curiosity is cultivated, creativity is unleashed, and potential is realized. By recognizing and validating the diverse experiences and perspectives of their students, empathic educators create inclusive learning communities where every voice is heard and every individual is valued.

In the realm of social justice and activism, empathy emerges as a powerful catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to advocate for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. Through acts of solidarity, compassion, and allyship, empathic individuals challenge oppressive systems and work towards building a more just and equitable society. By bearing witness to the struggles and triumphs of others, they amplify marginalized voices, dismantle barriers to inclusion, and foster a culture of empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, empathy stands as a testament to the boundless capacity of the human spirit to connect, to understand, and to uplift one another in times of need. It is a guiding light that illuminates the darkest corners of the human experience, offering solace, compassion, and hope in the face of adversity. As we cultivate empathy within ourselves and within our communities, we sow the seeds of a more compassionate and inclusive world, where understanding reigns supreme and the bonds of human connection transcend the barriers of fear and division.

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Empathy Essay | Essay on Empathy for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by Prasanna

Empathy Essay:  Empathy is the ability to understand an individual emotionally. It is the ability to understand what the other person feels. It is seeing things from their point of view. It is putting yourself in someone else’s position. It is the capability of imagining how someone else might be feeling.

You can also find more  Essay Writing  articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more.

Long and Short Essays on Empathy for Students and Kids in English

We are providing the students with essay samples on a long essay of 500 words in English and a short essay of 150 words on Empathy in English.

Long Essay on Empathy 500 Words in English

Long Essay on Empathy is usually given to classes 7, 8, 9, and 10.

Empathy is a highly valued trait and is essential for social interactions. Empathy is the ability to understand a person’s emotions and feelings. It is an essential component for both professional as well as personal lives. It is the ability or trait to understand other people’s values, beliefs and cultures.

Empathy is the power of connection. It is a sensation of experiencing what the other person is going through. It is seen as a cognitive ability—a trait to imagine future scenarios or solve problems based on past experiences. Empathy makes an individual capable of creating a psychic and emotional connection with another person. It enables a person to enter into another individual’s mindscape. If a person feels connected to another person’s mindset, it is impossible to mistreat them, except unintentionally. A person gets to recoil from their experience of suffering in the same way of recoiling for their individual suffering. It brings a sense of desire to aid the person suffering.

There are several states of empathy which include, cognitive empathy, affective empathy and somatic empathy. Cognitive empathy is the capability to understand another person’s mental state. Affective empathy is also known as emotional empathy. It is the ability of a person to respond with an appropriate emotion to another person’s mental state. Somatic empathy is based on the physical reaction of an individual. It is based on mirror neuron responses.

Empathy manifests in education as well in between teachers and students. Empathy becomes difficult when there are differences between people regarding culture, language, skin colour, gender and age. Empathy is considered as a motivating factor for unselfish behaviour. Lack of empathy is similar to antisocial behaviour. Empathy develops deep roots in our brains, as our evolutionary history. Having empathy does not mean that a person is willing to help someone. It is an essential step toward compassionate action.

Empathy forms one of the most critical components of creating harmonious relationships. It reduces stress and enhances emotional awareness. People are well attuned to their feelings and emotions. Getting into someone’s head can be challenging at times. People tend to be empathetic when they listen to what others have to say. It makes an individual overwhelmed by tragic incidents. Empathy can make an individual concerned about the well-being of another individual.

Empathy helps to make an individual a better person. By understanding what people are thinking and feeling, people can respond appropriately. Social connections build up as a result of empathy. It helps in both physical and psychological well-being. Empathizing with others helps to regulate a person’s own emotions. It helps an individual to manage his feelings even at times of great stress.

Empathy helps a person to engage themselves in helpful behaviours. Not everyone experiences empathy. Some people may be more naturally empathetic than others. How a person perceives another person can influence empathy to a great extent. Being empathetic towards others will help to understand other’s suffering and create harmony in the world.

Short Essay on Empathy 150 Words in English

Short Essay on Empathy is usually given to classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Empathy is a trait where an individual experiences an emotional response to another person’s sufferings. It is very different from sympathy. It is walking in someone else’s shoes and sharing their feelings. Feeling heard by someone and understood is one of the human needs everyone deserves to be understood. Empathy helps an individual to get in touch with his or her feelings and gives him or her emotional understanding of themselves and other people.

Empathy can be learned and practised. It is a vital aspect of our everyday lives. It enables an individual to show compassion. It helps to relate to other people, relatives, colleagues, loved ones and helps to impact the world in a positive way. Some people are born with empathy while some learn it and can increase or decrease it. It is a part of the emotional intelligence, which can be taught to the children at a very early stage. Children can be taught to be empathetic by sharing their things and not hurting others.

10 Lines on Empathy in English

• In the absence of empathy, relationships remain shallow.
• Empathy does not form a part of intuition; it is about understanding others.
• Empathy is basically a learned behaviour.
• The capacity of being empathetic to another person depends on each individual.
• Empathetic people tend to help others more.
• Painkillers can reduce your capacity of being empathetic towards other people.
• Anxiety and tension can influence empathy to a great extent.
• An individual can heighten their empathy through meditation.
• All humans are inclined towards empathizing others in their pain and sufferings.
• A genetic defect can reduce an individual’s empathy.

FAQ’s on Empathy Essay

Question 1. What is too much empathy, called?

Answer: Too much empathy is known as Hyper-empathy. Having too much empathy can lead a person to burn out.

Question 2. What can cause a person to have a lack of empathy?

Answer: Lack of empathy can be caused due to narcissism, antisocial- personality and its disorders, a genetic defect or even psychopathy.

Question 3. How can you overcome Hyper-empathy?

Answer: Hyper-empathy can be overcome by shifting the feeling of empathy to a skill. Making the mind clear that empathy is not behaviour; it forms a part of a skill. Setting clear boundaries and taking everything in a light manner can reduce a person from being too much empathetic about someone.

Question 4.  Does lack of empathy lead to autism?

Answer: No, it does not lead to autism.

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Empathy in Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Connect with Your Readers

By   Joshua Turner

September 7, 2023

Writing is a powerful tool that allows us to connect with others, share our experiences, and convey our thoughts and emotions. However, it is not always easy to express empathy through writing.

Effective communication requires the ability to empathize with others and comprehend their emotions. In this article, we will explore the role of empathy in writing and discuss techniques that can help you show compassion in your writing.

Understanding empathy is crucial for effective communication. Empathy lets us put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and understand their perspective. When we are empathetic, we can better connect with others and build stronger relationships.

In writing , empathy can help us create more engaging and relatable content that resonates with our readers. As writers, we have the power to influence and inspire others, and empathy is a vital tool in achieving this goal.

Key Takeaways

• Empathy is essential for effective communication .
• Empathy allows us to connect with others and build stronger relationships.
• Empathy is a powerful tool for writers to create engaging and relatable content.

Understanding Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It is an essential quality that helps us build strong relationships with others. Empathy is not about feeling sorry for someone; it’s about understanding their emotions and showing compassion towards them.

Cognitive Empathy

Cognitive empathy is the ability to understand someone’s emotions intellectually. It involves putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and understanding their perspective. You can show cognitive empathy by actively listening to someone and asking questions to clarify their feelings.

Emotional Empathy

Emotional empathy  is the capability to feel what someone else is feeling. It involves experiencing the same emotions as someone else, such as joy, sadness, or anger. You can show empathy by expressing your emotions and validating someone else’s.

Compassionate Empathy

Compassionate empathy is the capacity to understand and feel someone else’s emotions and take action to help them. It involves showing kindness and compassion towards others.

You can show compassionate empathy by offering support , providing encouragement, and taking action to help someone in need.

Building great relationships with people requires having a solid understanding of empathy. You can connect with people more deeply and build lasting connections by displaying cognitive, emotional, and compassionate empathy.

The Role of Empathy in Writing

Empathy is crucial in writing, especially fiction. You can create an engaging, emotional, and memorable story by creating empathy for your characters and readers. As a writer, putting yourself in the shoes of your characters and readers is indispensable to creating a story that resonates with them.

Empathy for Characters

Empathy is an essential element in writing, especially when it comes to creating characters . As a writer, you need to be able to put yourself in your protagonist’s shoes, understand their motivations, and feel their emotions.

You can create a relatable, likable, and believable character. When readers empathize with a character, they become invested in their story and are more likely to continue reading.

To create empathy for your characters, you should focus on  their backstory, personality, and struggles . Give them a history explaining their actions and motivations , making them flawed and vulnerable. Readers may connect with the character this way and get emotionally immersed in their path.

Empathy for Readers

Empathy is not only important for creating characters but also for  connecting with readers . As a writer, you need to understand your audience  and what they want from your story. By empathizing with your readers, you can create a story that resonates with them and leaves a lasting impression.

To create empathy for your readers, you should focus on  the emotions and experiences that your story evokes. Write relatable and authentically, and use descriptive language to create vivid images in the reader’s mind. This way, your readers can connect with the story and feel like they are a part of it.

Techniques to Show Empathy in Writing

Using emotions.

A compelling approach to conveying empathy in writing is through the skillful utilization of emotions. As you engage in the process of writing, strive to imagine the reader’s perspective, considering the range of emotions they might be experiencing. By empathetically connecting with their feelings, you can craft a narrative that resonates deeply and authentically.

Use words that convey your understanding of their emotions, such as “ I can imagine how frustrating that must be ” or “ I understand how overwhelming that can feel .” Acknowledging their feelings shows that you care and are empathetic toward their situation.

Sharing Stories

Sharing stories is another effective way to show empathy in writing. If you’ve been through a similar experience as your reader, share your story with them. This can help them feel understood and less alone.

Even if you haven’t been through the same situation, you can still share the stories of others who have. This can help your reader feel like they’re not the only ones going through what they’re experiencing.

Body Language

Body language is not only important in face-to-face interactions but also in writing. When you write, use body language  cues  to convey empathy. For example , use phrases like “I’m here for you” or “I’m listening” to show that you’re present and engaged.

You can also use physical descriptions, such as “ I can picture you feeling overwhelmed ” or “ I can imagine the weight of that burden .” These cues can help your reader feel heard and understood.

By using these techniques, you can show empathy in your writing and connect with your reader on a deeper level. Place yourself in their perspective, share stories, and use body language cues to convey your understanding and support.

The Importance of Active Listening

Active listening is the key to showing empathy in writing. It is a crucial skill that involves hearing what someone is saying and understanding their perspective. When we listen actively, we are showing the other person that we value their thoughts and feelings.

Listening Techniques

There are several techniques we can use to improve our active listening skills.

• It is important to give the speaker our full attention. This means putting aside distractions and focusing on what they are saying.
• We should try to understand the speaker’s perspective by putting ourselves in their shoes. This requires empathy and an open mind.

• Another important technique is to ask clarifying questions. This shows the speaker that we are interested in what they have to say and want to ensure we fully understand their message.
• We can also use non-verbal cues, such as nodding or maintaining eye contact, to show that we are engaged in the conversation.

Active listening is crucial for showing empathy in writing. By giving our full attention, understanding the speaker’s perspective, and asking clarifying questions, we can improve our ability to connect with others and convey empathy through our writing.

Building Connections through Empathy

Empathy is the key to building connections, bonds, relationships, and love in your writing. By understanding your readers’ feelings and perspectives, you can create a deeper connection with them. Use personal stories, anecdotes, and language that conveys love and compassion to show your readers that you care about their experiences.

Creating Bonds

Building connections with others is crucial in any form of communication. Empathy is the key to creating bonds with your readers. By understanding their feelings and perspectives, you can better connect with them on a personal level. Use phrases like “ I understand how you feel ” or “ I can relate to your situation ” to show your readers that you care about their experiences.

Building Relationships

Empathy is also essential in building long-lasting relationships  with your readers. You can establish trust and credibility by showing that you understand their needs and concerns. Use personal stories and anecdotes  to connect with your readers on a deeper level. Building relationships takes time and effort, but it’s ultimately worth it.

Love and Empathy

Love is the ultimate form of empathy . When you love someone, you are willing to understand their emotions and feelings without judgment. The same is true in writing. When you love your readers, you are willing to go the extra mile to connect with them and understand their needs. Use language that conveys love and compassion, such as “I care about you” or “I want the best for you.”

Empathy and Emotional Growth

Understanding emotions.

Empathy is essential to understand the emotions of others to be able to connect with them and communicate effectively . To show empathy, you need to be aware of your own emotions and be able to recognize and understand the emotions of others. Understanding emotions helps you to connect with others and build stronger relationships.

Fostering Compassion

Compassion is the ability to feel empathy and take action to alleviate the suffering of others. To nurture compassion, you need to practice empathy regularly. You can achieve this by engaging in active listening, empathetically placing yourself in the other person’s position, and responding with genuine kindness and understanding. Showing compassion can bring happiness to others and yourself.

Empathy and compassion are skills that can be developed and improved over time . Practicing empathy and compassion regularly can improve your emotional intelligence and build stronger relationships with others. Understanding emotions and fostering compassion is essential for emotional growth and well-being.

Practical Applications of Empathy in Writing

Empathy in action.

When writing with empathy, it’s critical to understand your audience’s perspective. Consider their experiences, emotions, and backgrounds when crafting your message . Use inclusive language and avoid assumptions or stereotypes that could alienate readers. Doing so demonstrates that you understand and respect their point of view.

Supporting Characters

Empathy is about understanding your readers and the characters in your writing. Develop your supporting characters with depth and complexity, giving them their own unique perspectives and experiences. This will make your writing more engaging and help readers relate to the characters and empathize with their struggles.

Appreciating Readers

Showing empathy also means acknowledging and appreciating your readers. Thank them for their time and attention, and show genuine interest in their feedback. Respond to comments and questions with kindness and understanding, even if you disagree with their perspective. By doing so, you build a relationship of trust and respect with your readers.

In practical terms, empathy in writing means using language and tone that resonates with your audience, creating characters that readers can relate to, and valuing your readers’ perspectives. Incorporating empathy into your writing can create a more meaningful and impactful message.

The presence of empathy in writing is not merely a superficial attribute but a transformative force that enables us to forge a genuine and lasting connection with our readers. When we embrace empathy, we transcend the limitations of words on a page, delving into the realm of emotions and shared experiences.

By empathetically understanding our readers’ needs, desires, and challenges, we can craft narratives that touch their hearts, inspire change, and leave a lasting impact.

Empathy in writing prompts us to step into our readers’ shoes, see the world through their eyes, and communicate with a deep sense of understanding and compassion. Through this empathetic lens, we can effectively address their concerns, evoke emotions, and provide solace or guidance.

The ultimate guide to connecting with readers lies in our ability to empathize. It requires us to engage in active listening, immerse ourselves in their perspectives, and respond authentically and sincerely. Doing so creates an environment of trust, vulnerability, and shared understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. what are some effective ways to convey empathy in writing.

One effective way to convey empathy in writing is to use language that acknowledges the other person’s feelings. This can be done by using phrases such as “I understand how you feel” or “I can imagine how difficult this must be for you.” Another way is to actively listen to the other person’s perspective and respond in a way that shows you understand their point of view.

Q. How can I make my characters more empathetic in my writing?

Giving your characters a backstory explaining their motivations and experiences is vital to make them more empathetic. This can help readers understand why the character behaves in a certain way and can make them more relatable. It’s also necessary to show the character actively listening to others and responding in a way that shows they understand their feelings.

Q. Why is it important to show empathy in writing?

Showing empathy in writing can help build stronger relationships and improve communication. It can also help people feel heard and understood, which can lead to more positive outcomes in personal and professional relationships.

Q. What are some examples of empathetic writing?

Empathetic writing can take many forms, such as a heartfelt letter to a friend, a blog post about a difficult experience, or a news article highlighting a marginalized group’s struggles. The key is to use language that acknowledges the feelings of others and shows a willingness to understand their perspective.

Q. How can I write an essay that demonstrates empathy?

To write an essay that demonstrates empathy, it’s necessary first to understand the topic from multiple perspectives. This can be done by researching different viewpoints and actively listening to others. It’s also significant to use language that acknowledges the feelings of others and shows a willingness to understand their perspective.

Q. What are some techniques for showing concern in writing?

Some techniques for showing concern in writing include using language that acknowledges the other person’s feelings, actively listening to their perspective, and responding to show you understand their point of view. Be genuine and authentic in your communication and avoid making assumptions or judgments about the other person’s experience.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Emotions & Feelings — Empathy

Empathy Essays

Hook examples for empathy essays, anecdotal hook.

"As I witnessed a stranger's act of kindness towards a struggling neighbor, I couldn't help but reflect on the profound impact of empathy—the ability to connect with others on a deeply human level."

Rhetorical Question Hook

"What does it mean to truly understand and share in the feelings of another person? The concept of empathy prompts us to explore the complexities of human connection."

Startling Statistic Hook

"Studies show that empathy plays a crucial role in building strong relationships, fostering teamwork, and reducing conflicts. How does empathy contribute to personal and societal well-being?"

"'Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.' This profound quote encapsulates the essence of empathy and its significance in human interactions."

Historical Hook

"From ancient philosophies to modern psychology, empathy has been a recurring theme in human thought. Exploring the historical roots of empathy provides deeper insights into its importance."

Narrative Hook

"Join me on a journey through personal stories of empathy, where individuals bridge cultural, social, and emotional divides. This narrative captures the essence of empathy in action."

Psychological Impact Hook

"How does empathy impact mental health, emotional well-being, and interpersonal relationships? Analyzing the psychological aspects of empathy adds depth to our understanding."

Social Empathy Hook

"In a world marked by diversity and societal challenges, empathy plays a crucial role in promoting understanding and social cohesion. Delving into the role of empathy in society offers important insights."

Empathy in Literature and Arts Hook

"How has empathy been depicted in literature, art, and media throughout history? Exploring its representation in the creative arts reveals its enduring significance in culture."

Teaching Empathy Hook

"What are effective ways to teach empathy to individuals of all ages? Examining strategies for nurturing empathy offers valuable insights for education and personal growth."

Patch Adams Reflection Paper

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Poem Analysis: "Any Human to Another"

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The Importance of Promoting Empathy in Children

Steps for developing empathy in social situations, the impacts of digital media on empathy, the contributions of technology to the decline of human empathy, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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The Role of Empathy in Justice System

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Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another's position.

Types of empathy include cognitive empathy, emotional (or affective) empathy, somatic empathy, and spiritual empathy.

Empathy-based socialization differs from inhibition of egoistic impulses through shaping, modeling, and internalized guilt. Empathetic feelings might enable individuals to develop more satisfactory interpersonal relations, especially in the long-term. Empathy-induced altruism can improve attitudes toward stigmatized groups, and to improve racial attitudes, and actions toward people with AIDS, the homeless, and convicts. It also increases cooperation in competitive situations.

Empathetic people are quick to help others. Painkillers reduce one’s capacity for empathy. Anxiety levels influence empathy. Meditation and reading may heighten empathy.

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Great Ideas From Readers

Someone Else’s Shoes: Modern Love Essays From a Fictional Point of View

An English teacher challenges students to go inside the minds of characters to learn about motivation, empathy and relationships.

By Emma Tsai

Modern Love is one of The New York Times’s most popular columns — and one that many teachers love to use for teaching the basics of narrative writing. But Emma Tsai, an English teacher at Episcopal High School in Houston , has found a novel way to use the series.

To help her students better understand character development and relationships in a shared class text, she challenges them to get inside a character’s head by writing a Modern Love essay from his or her point of view. Then, to go deeper, students analyze a relationship from the Modern Love TV show . The exercise, she says, helps them learn lessons they can use both in studying literature and in their own lives.

If you have an idea for teaching with The Times, you can tell us about it here . You can also browse our full collection of Reader Ideas .

— The Learning Network

I’ve been teaching “Interpreter of Maladies,” Jhumpa Lahiri’s Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of short stories, for about five years. Besides the fact that Lahiri does wonderful things with prose, I love teaching this book for several reasons: I can connect the short stories to longer novels throughout the rest of the school year; many students, particularly those of Indian descent, can relate to the text; and the relationships at the center of the book give me an opportunity to teach young people about relationships in their own lives.

Usually, my teaching of this unit is pretty straightforward — we read the stories together, discuss them, and do analytical writing about them. But in class discussion last school year, a pattern started emerging: The students were hard on the characters, whether for having engaged in an affair, not communicating with their spouses or even for something as innocuous as getting crumbs in someone else’s bed. I needed a creative way to help my students practice empathy.

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Empathy: How to Show Empathy in Writing

by Ruthanne Reid | 34 comments

Stories create empathy. Stories bring hope. Stories change history. Yes, even yours—especially when you know how to show empathy in writing.

While there are many serious examples of stories affecting human rights and other causes, I'm going to start my point with something simpler.

The Little Red Lighthouse

Not far from where I live is a little red lighthouse. Here it is:

It's cute, right? It's just a lighthouse. There's nothing special about it—except that the George Washington Bridge was built almost on top of it not long after it was completed, rendering it redundant.

For completely logical reasons, the Coast Guard decommissioned it and made plans to sell it or tear it down.

Ah, but that's not the end of the story!

In 1942, an author named Hildegarde H. Swift wrote an adorable children's book called  The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge   that made the lighthouse into a character. This lighthouse did its job with joy, leading ships to safety in the worst of fogs. But then *gasp* the bridge was built overhead with enormous lights, and the lighthouse lost its purpose.

It struggled with feeling useless and unwanted, until one day, an enormous storm came, and the boats could not see the lights on the bridge. The little red lighthouse rediscovered its purpose as it once again led people safely through the storm, and came to the realization that though it was small, it still had a place in this world.

It's a great story, and it changed that lighthouse's fate. When the Coast Guard tried to auction it off, the locals who'd grown up reading that book made such an outcry that instead of being sold, the little red lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

( This is all true .)

I don't think Ms. Swift intended that outcome when she wrote the story, but it still had that effect because it was relatable. Behold the power of empathy!

The Power of Empathy

When you write, you're writing from your barrel of experiences . Whenever you go through something, it ends up in that barrel—all your joy and pain, your fears and questions, your successes and your victories.

(This is actually one of the reasons older writers are sometimes better writers. It has nothing to do with talent. There's just more in the barrel to draw from.)

Your readers can relate to what you pull from your barrel because they have barrels of their own. Everyone does. Your readers can relate because they're human, too (presumably).

Quick demonstration. Ever wondered why anime, of all things, is so popular? Simple: even though Japan's culture is distinct from others around the world, the very  human experiences of the characters speak to those who watch. For example:

Those expressions and feelings work across cultures because we're all human. We can relate to the experiences, even if we don't know the details. I, for one, have never dealt with fifty-foot robots, but I can  relate to the sorrow of a friend's passing.

So how do you communicate this  without  a visual medium? Well . . . you have to pay attention.

How to Show Empathy: Your Barrel of Experience

Wondering how to show empathy in writing? Pro tip: Typing “He was so sad” does not work.

You have to draw from your barrel of experience.

• What physical sensations did you experience when you were sad/angry/bored/happy?
• What kind of thoughts did you have? Uncharitable? Overly gracious? Dismissive?
• How did your view of the people and world around you change as your emotions shifted?

When I'm sad, I feel alone, which usually leads to fear. When I'm angry, I often feel robbed, like justice isn't being done by those around me. When I'm bored, my mind wanders, landing on anything but what I'm supposed to be working on. When I'm happy, I want that moment to last forever, and smaller problems like chronic pain seem to shrink.

Do you get the picture? If your chest hurts when you're grieving,  then your character's chest may hurt.

If you have trouble breathing when you're anxious, then maybe your character has trouble breathing when they're anxious.

When you're angry, do you have trouble controlling what comes out of your mouth? Your character may say the wrong thing at the wrong time.

We all know what it is to be angry and quiet or angry and loud;  any emotion and its outward expression is something we all know well.

So do your readers.

Aim For the Experience, Not the Details

Let's say you're writing a bad guy. A really, really bad guy who robs and hurts people. You have (hopefully) had no experience with that, but you do know what he felt: greed, anger, a sense of entitlement, fear of being caught, a certainty that he had the right to do this thing. You can put those into the story to make him slightly more relatable.

You're a woman writing a male character? No problem. Men are people, too (shocking, I know), and experience the emotions you do, even if they show them differently: they can be unsure or overly certain, fearful or full of themselves, struggling with failure or relaxing in victory.

You're writing an alien creature? Awesome! You can still use your experience to establish this character, either by giving it relatable emotions or by drawing the contrast between them. For example, maybe the alien is standing over a freshly squished astronaut and  not feeling victory,  not  feeling the fear of being caught, but instead nothing at all—which, by contrast, makes the alien more frightening to the reader.

Every human feels these things. They know the stomach-churning feeling that comes right before doing something that requires courage—whether that's speaking in front of a class or leaping out of a helicopter to fight in a war.

The Magic of Your Barrel

You want your story relatable? Share what's in your barrel.

It doesn't matter if you're writing on earth or in space, in ancient times or modern. Your readers don't have to have the same  details to have the same  experience , and as long as your characters' reactions echo your human readers' reactions, they will relate to your story.

Have you read something you could relate to recently? Do you have other tips for how to show empathy in writing? Let us know in the comments .

It's time to practice writing relatable stories. Pick one scene from your WIP with some kind of emotional content, and take  fifteen minutes  to expand it with relatable emotional experiences.

Or, think of an emotional experience you had recently, and take  fifteen minutes  to write about what that felt like. What physical sensations did you experience? What thoughts did you have?

When you're done, share your writing in the comments . Be sure to leave feedback for your fellow writers, too!

Ruthanne Reid

Best-Selling author Ruthanne Reid has led a convention panel on world-building, taught courses on plot and character development, and was keynote speaker for The Write Practice 2021 Spring Retreat.

Author of two series with five books and fifty short stories, Ruthanne has lived in her head since childhood, when she wrote her first story about a pony princess and a genocidal snake-kingdom, using up her mom’s red typewriter ribbon.

When she isn’t reading, writing, or reading about writing, Ruthanne enjoys old cartoons with her husband and two cats, and dreams of living on an island beach far, far away.

P.S. Red is still her favorite color.

34 Comments

So basically it explains that when am writing, I have to include the emotional feelings of what one feels.

There has to be something for the reader to relate to. You can show that by how your character responds to things, the choices they make, that sort of thing.

Empathy is about to understand and even share the feelings and emotions of someone else. While sympathy is the ability to feel for someone,

That’s correct, Danny! And empathy is the best thing for readers to have for your characters.

Showing emotion is great as long as you don’t overdo it. Be careful to not to tell them your main character is sad but show them, his quivering lips, the teardrops in his eyes.

Evil characters should always have a very good background, your story will stand or fall with the antagonist. If you have a bad guy that wants to kill off all the humans he should better have a reason for it.

Absolutely! Show, not tell, is generally the rule around here. 🙂

I agree 110%; I sometimes wonder how books get published when the authors write, “he was furious,” “fear crouched in her eyes,” etc on almost every page.

What a good exercise! Thank you, Ruthanne.

She pulled into a parking space at the local grocery store, turned off the engine, and forced herself to take a deep, slow breath. Head down, avoiding the possibility of eye contact, reluctance slowing her step, she entered the store and took a cart – the small size, never the large one, even after all these years. She had been desperately poor, struggled to feed her children on never enough until even the thought of shopping made her ill. Now, she was wealthy enough to purchase anything here she wanted, yet the symptoms continued. She forced herself to stand up straight, to practice what she’d been taught, to confront her fear. She surveyed the wealth of fresh fruits and vegetables displayed. Aloud, she said, “Thank you, Lord.” It was supposed to help. But still, the memory of poverty choked her breath, her vision narrowed and, helpless, she wept.

Hi Cathy. I’m trying too and I did relate to your character. Tanks

This was short but powerful. You really got the point across that even though she’s wealthy, being poor really affected her and she’s still grieving from it. Good job!

“You’re a woman writing a male character? No problem. Men are people, too (shocking, I know),” Ha ha ha! I loved it! Very funny! Good stuff by the way.

It was really funny.

I can believe a woman’s insight into a male character’s feelings about “God, Hunger, Thought, or Battle” because they seem to be similar to ours. I’m less convinced that we can ever get inside the alien thought process men report, of just looking at what looks like another human being and instantly wanting to fight or rut, sometimes even before making sure that it *is* another human being.

(One reason to use a cat picture: people have to react to what I’m saying, not the way I look.)

What a barrelful I am carrying – most of it repressed but I’ll give the exercise a try.

She was only seven but her mother had trusted her to take her baby brother for a walk in his high pram. She feels so proud and important. Walking along the village street, pushing the pram she is delighted at all the adults who stop to look at the baby and tell her how good she is being to look after him so well. This makes her feel really tall and special – no longer a youngster aged only seven. Eventually she realises reluctantly that she must return home and so turns the pram around and heads back. Close to home she passes a neighbour’s house and as she struggles to push the pram across the gravel chips, she begins to feel stressed. Why is itso difficult to push the pram? Can she manage it? She tries hard, and pushes and pushes. She is starting to sweat with the effort. Then she panics as the pram suddenly up-ends. She flees the scene in terror. She’s thinking she may have killed her little brother as she doesn’t hear him cry. She runs and hides away from the scene of her crime. Her thoughts are in turmoil. What can she do? What will her parents do? She feels so guilty. She really didn’ mean to do it. The neighbour has seen from her kitchen window what has happened. She comes out, calmly rights the pram, checks that the harness securing the baby is in place and pushes the pram the small distance required back to its own home. Our seven year old has witnessed this from her hiding place, and begins to realise with relief, that all is possibly well, so she ventures home in trepidation. How relieved and delighted she is when she finds her mother feeding the baby as normal. Her precious little brother is alive and well. No questions asked. No recriminations. What a feeling of relief that normality has returned to her life.

This makes her feel really tall and special

I really like this line. It made me smile and understand her completely. Poor child, thinking she may have killed her baby brother, and then everything is well again. These certainly were different times, when a 7 year old could take a baby out alone, yes?

Nicely done.

Thanks Cathy – 60 odd years ago!! Times are certainly different now!

Aww poor girl. I felt the panic she had when she thought she’d killed her brother. Great work, Evelyn!

709 thank you – it’s so encouraging to get responses to my efforts.

I absolutely loved this! I felt as though you did a brilliant job at capturing the pure innocence of the young girl and I felt just as worried as she did as I read through. Wonderful work!

Thank you, Sarah. It’s a true story and I can smile about now, but not then.

Beginning of a scene from my WIP that represents a turning point in the relationship of the main characters. Asterisks denote italics. Reviews are always appreciated! (Note: both characters are women)

*Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.*

“Ungh?” I squinted into the bright light worming through the sleep sand in my eyelashes. My cellphone was ringing. I dragged it off the nightstand and answered. “Yeah?”

For a moment, silence. Then a familiar husky voice said, “Dr. MacBride?”

“Detective Cameron? What time is it?”

“Near three in the morning I believe.”

“What happened? Is someone dead?”

“No, nothing like that, I – I couldn’t sleep and I wondered if maybe you might be awake.”

Oh. That was – that was nice. Really nice, actually.

Detective Cameron must’ve interpreted my silence differently. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking. I’ll see you at the station tomorr-”

“No, it’s fine! Really. Do you want to come to my place?”

“Are you sure?”

“Definitely.” I gave her my address and we hung up. *How long will it take her to get here? Can’t be more than ten minutes. Shit.* I turned on the lamp and caught sight of my reflection in the window. *Oh God, my hair!*

I vaulted out of bed, shucking off my t-shirt and sweatpants. *What do I wear?* This would be the first time she would see me out of my work clothes. I pulled open all the drawers in the dresser. *Jeans, yes, jeans are good.* I wriggled into a pair of dark wash skinnies and looked wildly around for a shirt. My first instinct was to grab a comfortable tee, but I decided against it. To the effortlessly elegant detective I would probably look a slug. Didn’t want to seem like I was trying too hard though. I found a light oatmeal sweater – suitable.

I rushed to the bathroom to tug a comb through my hair. Not perfect, but it would have to do. I switched off the lights there and in the bedroom and let myself into the living room.

Oh no. Boxes.

The next several minutes were a blur of madly stacking boxes and shoving them into meager hiding places – next to the couch, under the coffee table. There was nowhere in that apartment where you could cover something completely. My frantic tidying was interrupted by a distant knock. Crap.

I rushed downstairs; I straightened my sweater, took a steadying breath, and opened the door.

I really enjoyed reading this! I felt as though I could really understand how stressed you character was when they were frantically trying to prepare for their visitor. I felt quite stressed myself just reading it! Keep up the good work!

Okay, so I’ve taken a scene from my WIP (set in 1806 England). It is the false black moment. Here goes… Hopefully, people will empathise with Scar and his predicament!

Scar paced the floor behind his desk. This time he would do it properly. On one knee if necessary. And his wretched heart on his sleeve if that was what it would take.

His heart stumbled, then moved into a slow, heavy beat not unlike the beat of the drum marking the death march of a prisoner on his way to the gallows. A groan rumbled from his throat and tiny beads of moisture prickled his hairline and turned his hands clammy. His mouth dried and his stomach churned and his legs trembled.

He halted beside his chair, closed his eyes and forced his breath to slow. Or tried to.

His gaze darted to the carriage clock. Three of the clock. Any moment now…

He smoothed his hands over his hair, smoothed the fall of his tailcoat, smoothed the front of his jacket. What if she still says no?

The soft snick of the door latch split the silence like a pistol shot. And there she stood, a living portrait framed in the doorway. Something flashed in her eyes—he could not discern what, for it was gone in an instant, her expression shuttered.

Her lips shaped a smile. The smile did not encourage conversation. His churning guts roiled. He forced his gaze to the footman behind her. “You may close the door.”

“It would be best if the door remained open,” she said. Veiled but clear, it was a reprimand and the footman disappeared. She took two paces into the study. Stopped. “Your summons was most fortuitous, for I must speak with you.” Her chin came up. “Last night I accepted the Earl of Mettleford’s offer of marriage.”

His legs buckled and his hand shot out, seized the back of his chair. His feet managed the small box step around the chair before his legs gave out. He dropped into his chair, his lungs far too big for his chest and his head filled with such a whooshing sound, he heard not a word she spoke. Her lips shaped and delivered words that didn’t reach him.

He had to be having a nightmare…

Lips moving all the while, she approached his desk, slapped some documents before him, snatched up his quill and thrust it at him. He stared at the quill, then looked at her.

Impatience flashed in her gaze. “Come on. Sign it.”

He looked at the document. A marriage agreement. The rest of the text was a blur, one massive miserable murky mass of blurry grey-black stripes streaking the page. How could they prepare a marriage agreement so fast? “How—”

“Our solicitors collaborated all morning. Fitzwilliam’s and my family’s,” she said. “Note that Mr. Scribbard has also signed it.”

Old fool. Scar rubbed his eyes. Rubbed his palms against his thighs. Unearthed from his memory the litany of objections she’d voiced each time she’d refused him. “What of your determination to never wed?”

She dismissed the question with a hitch of her shoulder. “I have long held Fitzwilliam in great affection, so take this blasted quill, dip it in that handsome inkwell, and sign the blasted marriage agreement!”

“Affection? Do you… love him?” Say you don’t… He’s almost old enough to be your father. “Here.” She thrust the quill at him. “Take this—”

His fingers clamped around the armrests of his chair. “You cannot wed him if you do not love him.” He watched her crush and master her temper. In other circumstances her self-restraint would have been admirable.

“Do not speak to me of love.” She drew a deep breath. “I am now convinced you had the right of it,” she continued, her voice calm, her tone almost…dismissive. “Love is mere caprice and not a sound basis for an agreeable marriage.” Tapping the tip of the feather quill against her cheek, her gaze flicked over him. “You were prepared to marry me, and with no love involved.”

His heart lurched into a frantic gallop as his body retreated into the backrest of his chair. He crossed his arms over his midriff. “You would do as a duchess.”

“I will do even better as a countess.” She set her jaw. “Now do your legal duty and sign, or I shall think you do not wish to be rid of me after all.”

It was far too close to the truth. Behind his ribs, an aching sensation spread and swelled and pushed against the walls of his chest. He hugged himself tighter. “Do not be misled. I would be overjoyed to see you stuffed, mounted, put in a glass case, labelled Utter Stupidity and left in the British Museum.” It sounded truculent, even to him. Nothing he could do about that.

“Then sign, blast you,” she said on a burst of temper, the quill in her outstretched hand. “I do not take orders from anyone, and certainly not a female.”

A wry smile softened the obstinate cast of her countenance. “Where is your sense of duty and responsibility to your ward?”

“But I am being responsible and doing my duty. Your father would not fault me were he alive.”

She huffed out a breath spiked with impatience. “Then where is your precious honor? You must own that marriage is more acceptable to Society than depositing me at the British Museum.”

He ignored the proffered quill. “You will lose control of your precious fortune if you marry.”

Her gaze shifted, eyes narrowing. “That inkwell looks rather heavy, and I have perfect aim.”

“And quite apart from losing your fortune, I am of the opinion that you need someone strong, not someone who will accommodate your every whim.”

“Someone like you?” A tiny snort of derision slipped past her lips. “That I can do without thank you.”

Somewhere inside, he flinched.

“You were right,” she said. “I am of marriageable age and to secure my future I must marry. Once I accepted that, I did as you wished and chose a husband.”

Did she hear the hiss of his indrawn breath? There was nothing in her countenance to suggest she had.

She leaned over his desk. “So sign, or I will run you through with this blasted quill.”

Her glower drilled into him, but he cared not. Logic decreed the Earl of Mettleford a suitable match for an earl’s daughter, but God’s teeth, handing her into Mettleford’s keeping was like death by amputation.

He looked at the quill. Her hand. Both were rock steady.

She had made her choice….

And left him no choice.

Just honor.

He took the quill, gripped it with numb fingers, signed his name, then shot the quill into the standish.

She scooped up the document, and hesitated, not even a flicker of triumph in her unsmiling gaze. Hope flared, hot and fierce and cold and fragile, then vanished as she left without another word.

Not even a polite ‘thank you’.

Cavernous silence settled over his study. Empty. Endless.

And bloody honor tasted bitter.

She reached to his calloused hand, gently opened his palm, brought it up to her lips and softly left a kiss. As she did this, He could only look down, he couldn’t dare catch her eye. A small eruption of their past might waterfall from his eyes if he did. He couldn’t move, could hardly think, he felt like the cracked black and white checkered floor would fissuring and was slipping down. She cupped his hand to fist, as if the kiss was to be kept, as if it was something real. He felt her big brown eyes upon his brow, as he continued to stare at the floor. She blew a sigh and took her hands away from his fist leaving it closed tight, palm up frozen. He watched her black boot twist on its toe and slowly out of his vision as he kept on the floor. He then looked at this fist and opened it face up and it started to blur as a big watered tear danced on his eye before it fell to the floor.

The following is from the first draft of my current WIP. My protagonist wants to get… intimate… with her husband for the first time since his accident. Leni, my protagonist, has spread Mardi-Gras rose petals all over the bedroom. WARNING: Sexual themes abound as this is a love scene.

She tickled him, on the sides of his torso, his muscles jiggled and contorted, nothing seemingly out of place. With a mild jerk she tilted her hips, a cascade of petals falling from her, exposing herself, offering herself to him.

He hardened further, they rolled into each other and he stopped. He stopped laughing, he stopped smiling, he stopped thrusting. A wave of vagueness, of absence, swept his face, he put his hands on her back. He cradled and rubbed her lower spine and presently his Schwanze recreated the piton event from Sukapak, Alaska.

This time, Leni could not save him from his slip. Nor could she save herself from hers. She held on as long and as hard as she could, but it was of no use. As their summit cracked and crumbled and faded back into fondness, yesterday and regret; as Paul peered into her eyes, confused, astonished, sorrowed and sorry, two other facts became obvious.

That her man was not home. Not yet. That he was not home, not coming inside, not yet safe.

And that each of them, for the first time in their lives, was alone.

Alone. Even before each other, they were each in their own destitution of hope.

Wow, I really felt that. That phrase, ‘destitution of hope’, hits hard.

Thank you! I thought it was very much an act of telling, but one that works.

She sat with a smile on her face. Her friends were usually talking about things she wasn’t interested in. They always talked about latest shows and celebrities. She tried once catching up with what they talked about, but she gave up. She never liked the shows or celebrities they liked. This time though, her friends weren’t talking about a show. Instead, they were talking about an outing they wanted to have together. “Hey, are you coming today, Lily?” One of her friends asked the other. Lily played with her hair before answering, “I don’t think so. I just want to stay home and sleep today.” “Come on! You have to come! it would be amazing, I promise.” Her friend answered. They went back and forth arguing of whether she should go or not. Melody watched them quietly and waited for any of them to ask her. She’s always been listening to them talking about the multiple times they hung out together. Her genuine smile wasn’t so genuine as she remembered that she never was invited to hang out with them. “What are they arguing about?” Melody turned to Nathan who just joined the little group with a confused face. “They’re trying to convince Lily to join them today,” she answered quietly. Melody turned back to her friends once Nathan joined in on the conversation. She waited and waited and waited until the bell rang and lunch was over. They never turned to her; they never asked her if she’ll join them, and she never asked if she could. She interacted normally with her friends for the rest of the day, but she felt hurt and rejected. **** ‘I’m finally home,’ Melody thought to herself as she plopped onto the bed. ‘Weekend’s started and I can finally relax’. She turned over onto her stomach and grabbed the book she was currently reading from the nightstand. She got carried away with the story. She was so engrossed by the events when a ping sounded from her phone. She marked where she topped and closed the book. Opening her phone, she found a new post from one of her friends. She debated in her mind whether she should open it or not; at the end, she decided to see it. The smile she had on her face slowly fell as she saw a video and another along with pictures of her group of friends out and enjoying their time. She felt happy that they were enjoying their time, but at the same time, she felt left out. ‘So many times,’ she thought to herself, ‘so many times I’ve watched them make plans together and I’ve seen their posts with one another and never once was I invited. Never once was I in a picture with them.’ With those thoughts running in her mind and that suffocating feeling intensifying, she hugged a pillow tightly and cried out. She cried and till there were no more tears. She cried until she fell asleep.

Thanks for this, Ruthanne. I love your opener … great description of character, using the lovely story of the red lighthouse!

I am currently writing a story called Mono no Aware. As of late I have been struggling to write it. I was just wondering, how can I get people emotionally invested in the characters and the story? https://thequiddity.wixsite.com/blog Please feel free to read Mono no Aware and my other writings on my blog.

The man stood beside her in a suit and tie. “Just answer the questions, little girl. So we can help you.”

They didn’t want to help her. They wanted to help themselves. Her voice quivering, she said, “I’ve told you all I know.” All she knew she could trust them with, anyway.

“We’ve asked nicely. We’ve provided you protection. Now we need something from you.”

They’d never asked. And Shadow had protected her, not these strangers in suits. Her scalp burned and fire lit in her stomach. She wanted to scream. Wanted to let the tears roll down her face while she shrieked at them that the only thing they’d done was help the man who’d hurt her, Doctor Harrison. But she held back the scream and she blinked to pull back the tears.

Folding her arms tight, she stared straight ahead at the wall. “I…want…Shadow.” Then she pressed her lips together.

A few moments of silence passed.

Then the man slammed his hands on the tabletop and she flinched at the loud smack of his palms against the metal. “Doctor Harrison tortured you,” he shouted. “You should want to tell us every single detail so we can find him and stop him from–”

“No,” she yelled back as she snapped her head in his direction and glared into his face. A pounding throb thumped in her head. “You people want to find him so you can make a deal with him.” Her hands fisted. “Not so you can stop him from hurting someone else!”

The back of his hand slapped her cheek like an iron skillet.

She toppled from her chair, saliva and blood welling in her mouth, and caught herself before her head could crack against the tile floor.

“You will cooperate, young lady,” the man said in a low voice.

She lifted her head and glared at him through her blur of tears. Her cheek stung, and when she touched it, it was already swollen. “This is how you fix problems?” Her voice broke and sobs gathered under her ribcage. “This is how you protect people?”

I’d appreciate any comments/feedback. Thank you!

I loved the beginning mixture of emotion and thoughts when the brave young girl was fighting to hold back her scream and “blinked to pull back the tears.” You engaged me with a great balance of dialogue, emotion, thoughts and actions. I wanted to know what happened next.

I wrote a love story in 84-85 and while it was a good story ( in my opinion) and one I read over and over because I wanted that kind of love one day. But there was a scene where the guy died and while I know how one feels when you lose someone the feeling was different from losing a say grandmother or dad than losing a husband/ boyfriend/ significant other. You have more invested in that kind of love well… About two years ago I lost my husband and best friend of 13 yrs. I journaled that loss and the feelings I was going through. The actions I took and what I felt when it happened as well as the days that followed…. While I haven’t rewritten the love story., I have those feelings to now draw on when I do write it again.

( Currently editing nano right now- and the wounds of that loss are still very fresh even after 2 years)

Wow, there’s a lot of good writers here! So happy to see that!

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Learn How to Write a Perfect Empathy Essay

Are you having a hard time, finding good tips and tricks on writing an empathy essay? Of course, writing it gets easy when you have the proper guidelines. Such as the  professional research paper writers  have for you in this interesting blog post.

Writing an empathy essay is like delving into understanding emotions, seeing things from other’s perspectives, and showing care and understanding. It talks about how empathy shapes relationships, impacts society, and why it’s vital for a kinder world.

No need to fret, as this blog post is like a friendly guide for beginners that will help them understand everything about writing an empathy essay. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What is an Empathy Essay?

An empathy essay or emotions essay revolves around the exploration and analysis of empathy as a concept, trait, or practice. It’s about exploring and analyzing what empathy is all about, whether it’s a concept, a trait, or something you have to practice. You know, getting into the nitty-gritty of understanding emotions, different perspectives, and how we can relate to other people’s experiences.

The point of this essay is to show how empathy is super important in relationships, connections between people, and even in society as a whole. It’s all about showing how empathy plays a big role and why it’s so important.

Key elements in empathy writing include a clear definition and explanation of empathy, supported by relatable anecdotes or case studies to illustrate its application. It should delve into empathy’s psychological and societal implications, discussing its effects on individual well-being, relationships, and society at large. Moreover, the empathy essays require a balanced exploration of challenges and complexities related to empathy, such as cultural differences, biases, and the boundaries of empathy in various situations.

Students might find it useful to consider a  professional paper writing service  for an empathy essay due to various reasons. These services often provide access to experienced writers who specialize in crafting well-researched and structured essays. Professional writers can offer a fresh perspective, present nuanced arguments, and ensure the essay meets academic standards.

Why Empathy Essay Writing is Challenging for Some Students?

Writing an essay with empathy can pose challenges for students due to several reasons.

Complex Nature of Empathy

Understanding empathy involves navigating emotional intelligence, perspective-taking, and compassionate understanding, which can be challenging to articulate coherently.

Subjectivity and Personal Experience

Expressing subjective feelings and personal experiences while maintaining objectivity in empathic writing can be difficult for students.

Navigating Sensitivity

Addressing sensitive topics and human complexities while maintaining a respectful and empathetic tone in writing can be demanding.

Handling Diverse Perspectives

Grasping and objectively presenting diverse perspectives across different cultural and social contexts can pose a challenge.

Time Constraints and Academic Pressures

Juggling multiple assignments and deadlines might limit the time and focus students can dedicate to thoroughly researching and crafting an empathy essay.

Expert Tips on Writing a Perfect Empathy Essay

Here are some tips with corresponding examples for writing an empathy essay:

Start with a Compelling Story

Begin your essay with a narrative that illustrates empathy in action. For instance, recount a personal experience where you or someone else demonstrated empathy. For instance:

Example:  As a child, I vividly recall a moment when my grandmother’s empathetic nature became evident. Despite her own struggles, she always took time to comfort others, such as when she helped a neighbor through a difficult loss.

Define Empathy Clearly

Define empathy and its various dimensions using simple language.

Example:  Empathy goes beyond sympathy; it’s about understanding and feeling what someone else is experiencing. It involves recognizing emotions and responding with care and understanding.

Use Real-life Examples

For achieving empathy in writing, incorporate real-life instances or case studies to emphasize empathy’s impact.

Example:  Research shows how empathy in healthcare professionals led to improved patient outcomes. Doctors who showed empathy were found to have patients with higher satisfaction rates and better recovery.

Explore Perspectives

Discuss different perspectives on empathy and its challenges.

Example:  While empathy is crucial, cultural differences can sometimes pose challenges. For instance, what’s considered empathetic in one culture might differ in another, highlighting the need for cultural sensitivity.

Highlight Benefits

Explain the positive outcomes of empathy in various contexts.

Example:  In workplaces, empathy fosters a more cohesive team environment. A study by the researcher found that leaders who display empathy tend to have more engaged and motivated teams.

Acknowledge Challenges

Address the complexities or limitations of empathy.

Example:  Despite its benefits, there are challenges in maintaining boundaries in empathetic relationships. It’s important to balance being empathetic and avoiding emotional burnout.

Conclude with Impact

Wrap up by emphasizing the broader impact of empathy.

Example:  Ultimately, fostering empathy creates a ripple effect, contributing to a more compassionate and understanding society, where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

Steps of Writing an Empathy Essay

Here are the steps for writing an empathy essay. You’ll notice that most of the steps are the same as  writing a research paper  or any such academic task.

Understanding the Topic

Familiarize yourself with the concept of empathy and its various dimensions. Define what empathy means to you and what aspects you aim to explore in your essay.

Gather information from credible sources, including academic articles, books, and real-life examples that illustrate empathy’s role and impact. Take notes on key points and examples that you can incorporate into your essays on empathy

Create an outline that includes an introduction (with a thesis statement defining the scope of your essay), body paragraphs discussing different aspects of empathy (such as its definition, importance, challenges, and benefits), and a conclusion summarizing the main points.

Introduction

Start your essay with a compelling hook or anecdote related to empathy. Introduce the topic and provide a clear thesis statement outlining what you’ll discuss in the essay.

Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of empathy supported by evidence or examples. Discuss empathy’s definition, its significance in different contexts (personal, societal, professional), challenges in practicing empathy, benefits, and potential limitations.

Use Examples

Incorporate real-life examples or case studies to illustrate your points and make them relatable to the reader.

Address Counterarguments

Acknowledge differing perspectives or potential counterarguments related to empathy and address them thoughtfully within your essay.

Summarize the main points discussed in the essay. Restate the significance of empathy and its impact, leaving the reader with a lasting impression or call to action.

Edit and Revise

Review your essay for coherence, clarity, and consistency. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure that your ideas flow logically and that your essay effectively communicates your thoughts on empathy.

Make any necessary revisions based on feedback or additional insights. Ensure that your essay meets the guidelines and requirements if it’s for a specific assignment. Then, finalize and submit your empathy essay.

Final Thoughts

In this blog post, we’ve tried to make writing an empathy essay easier for students. We’ve explained it step by step, using easy examples and clear explanations. The goal is to help students understand what empathy is and how to write about it in an essay.

The steps we’ve shared for writing an empathy essay are straightforward. They start with understanding the topic and doing research, then move on to outlining, writing, and polishing the essay. We’ve highlighted the importance of using personal stories, real-life examples, and organizing ideas well.

Students can benefit from our  assignment writing service  for their empathy essays. Our experienced writers can provide expert help, ensuring the essays meet academic standards and are well-written. This support saves time and helps students focus on other schoolwork while getting a top-notch empathy essay.

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Home Essay Samples Life

Essay Samples on Empathy

How do you show empathy to patients: the heartfelt approach.

**How do you show empathy to patients?** This question lies at the core of providing patient-centered care that goes beyond medical treatment to touch the realms of emotional support and understanding. Empathy is the art of connecting with patients on a human level, acknowledging their...

• Health Care

Empathy in 'To Kill a Mockingbird': Compassion Through Literature

Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' empathy is a central theme that runs through the entire story. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The book illustrates empathy through the characters of Atticus Finch and his daughter...

• To Kill a Mockingbird

What is the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy

From time to time, we all experience various hardships throughout our lives. Whether these are minor incidents, or prolonged and profound difficulties that take a little longer to overcome, it’s important that we all support one another in the appropriate way. Understanding that everyone is...

Empathy in Education: a Crucial Role in Shaping Learning Experience

A school leader’s ultimate goal is to graduate students who will go into the world and be successful in all areas of their lives. Although success can be measured in many ways, leaders understand the importance of teaching students beyond academics. It is imperative that...

• Teacher-Student Relationships

The Philosophical Term Altruism in Psychology

The term altruism, benevolence, compassion empathy, fellow feeling, sympathy and love (despite distinctions among them) all that refer to behavior that has it's aim to produce, maintain or improve the physical or psychological welfare and integrity of another persons. The term describe the behavior that...

• Helping Others

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Analysis Of Letting Go And Dying In Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Abstract Letting go is one of the most difficult tasks we face in life, especially when it means we are losing someone we love. Programs, such as hospice, have been designed to offer a level of care that focuses on quality of life and comfort...

• Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Steps That Are Required to Gain Acceptance

Have you ever had a hard time “fitting in” somewhere. Whether it be at school or work, in a new group of friends, or even your own family, we can all relate to feeling unaccepted at one point or another. On the other hand, many...

"Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier: The Impact of Compassion on People

As a famous actress and activist, Susan Sarandon, once said, “ When you start to develop your powers of empathy and imagination, the whole world opens up to you”. This meaning that through experience, humans can gain empathy to learn many important and beneficial lessons...

How Self-Compassion Influences the Ability to be Comprassionate to Others

Self-compassion is the ability to be compassionate and understanding to oneself. Similarly, self-compassion may influence an individual’s compassion towards others as well. Compassion is an important characteristic of the mental health profession. Bowen & Moore (2014) stated that counselor functioning may be impaired due to...

• Individual Identity

The Role of Animals in Coetzee's Novel Disgrace

Becoming Animal In European thinking, the opposition between culture and nature is given by the existence of two different species: the animal, depicted as a thing, instead of being and the human, who is the only one who can manage the privilege of existence throughout...

Empathy and Altruism in Response to Disasters

In 2018, 315 natural disasters were recorded, with over 68 million people affected and approximately 12,000 deaths (Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, 2018). Comparisons show that the number of disasters has significantly increased over the past 25 years (Than, 2005). On 2nd...

• Natural Disasters

Empathy and The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, is an autobiography written by the abolitionist writer Olaudah Equiano. He wrote the narrative to tell the truths of the conditions of slaves, specifically during the process of the slave trade. Throughout his narrative, Equiano uses...

• Olaudah Equiano
• Slave Trade

Listening as the Main Way of Communication

“Sometimes all a person wants is an empathetic ear; all he or she needs is to talk it out. Just offering a listening ear and an understanding heart for his or her suffering can be a big comfort.”-Roy T. Bennett. Listening is more than just...

• Communication Skills

The Tempest: Alternation of Human Empathy by Change

Empathy is a key characteristic that even human needs to have. It not only provides the individual with the tools needed to understand one another, but adds compassion and pity to one's characteristics. In The Tempest, written by William Shakespeare, the idea of ecocriticism and...

• The Tempest
• William Shakespeare

Recovery from Eating Disorder Fueled by Compassion

Compassion is the ability to show empathy, love, and concern for other people with a desire to help reduce their suffering. It is often confused with empathy, and although the two share similar qualities, empathy refers to our ability to feel the emotions another person...

• Eating Disorders

Expression of Empathy Towards Patients in the Healthcare Industry

Communication as a concept in and of itself, has possibly been around since life began on Earth. As defined, communication is the development and exchanging meaning from one group to another. There are two forms of communication in which meanings can be exchanged: verbally and...

The Complexity and Variation of Empathic Abilities

The idea of care has been the fundamental topic throughout the course, specifically self-care and empathy. Self-care is the practice of taking care of one’s emotional, mental, and physical health. Meanwhile, empathy is the ability to care for other individuals by understanding one’s feelings and...

Empathy as the Foundation of Human Moral Ethics

Abstract Empathy is a passionate inherent mental or physical power that has joint intellectual and emotional segments. It is essential in bioethics since it shapes your mind and sensitivities that are vital in clinical consideration. Empathy is important in good discernment and judgment and offers...

My Experience Of Feeling Empathy While Playing 21 Toys Game

When I was the builder at the beginning it was easy to connect the flower wood with the soft pad in the middle to the small arrow wood. Later, I got a little frustrated because the flower wood with the rough pad in the middle...

The Role Of Empathy In The Modern World

In the century of the technology, everyone rushes to chase their goals to become successful people in their lives. People are extremely busy with following their personal dreams, and they have a lot of things to care about. College students struggle with handling twenty-credit courses,...

• Modern Society

Best topics on Empathy

1. How Do You Show Empathy to Patients: The Heartfelt Approach

2. Empathy in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’: Compassion Through Literature

3. What is the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy

4. Empathy in Education: a Crucial Role in Shaping Learning Experience

5. The Philosophical Term Altruism in Psychology

6. Analysis Of Letting Go And Dying In Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

7. Steps That Are Required to Gain Acceptance

8. “Marigolds” by Eugenia Collier: The Impact of Compassion on People

9. How Self-Compassion Influences the Ability to be Comprassionate to Others

10. The Role of Animals in Coetzee’s Novel Disgrace

11. Empathy and Altruism in Response to Disasters

12. Empathy and The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

13. Listening as the Main Way of Communication

14. The Tempest: Alternation of Human Empathy by Change

15. Recovery from Eating Disorder Fueled by Compassion

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• Personality
• Actions Speak Louder Than Words

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1 Contemporary Perspectives on Empathy

• Published: May 2007
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This chapter examines contemporary perspectives on empathy. It aims to establish a working definition of empathy, detail the questions about empathy that psychologists and philosophers pursue, and describe the representations of empathy in popular culture. It investigates what empathy invoked by novels might do to and for readers and discusses a collection of reactions to three brief texts that attempt to invoke emotional responses in readers.

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Essay on Empathy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Empathy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Empathy

Understanding empathy.

Empathy is feeling what others feel. It’s like stepping into someone’s shoes and understanding their emotions. Empathy helps us connect with others.

Why is Empathy Important?

Empathy in everyday life.

We use empathy every day. When a friend is sad, we feel their sorrow. This understanding helps us be supportive.

Developing Empathy

We can develop empathy by listening and observing others. Remember, it’s about understanding, not agreeing. Practice empathy to grow as a person.

250 Words Essay on Empathy

Empathy, a fundamental aspect of human connection, is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a cognitive attribute, allowing us to perceive the world from another’s perspective. It’s not merely about feeling the same emotions, but comprehending the emotional state of another, without losing the distinction between self and other.

The Types of Empathy

Empathy manifests in three primary forms: cognitive, emotional, and compassionate. Cognitive empathy refers to understanding someone’s thoughts and emotions, acting as a bridge for communication. Emotional empathy, on the other hand, involves sharing the feelings of others, often leading to a deep emotional connection. Compassionate empathy, the most actionable, combines understanding and feeling to drive us to help, if possible.

Empathy and Society

Empathy plays a pivotal role in society. It fosters tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect, acting as the glue that holds diverse communities together. Without empathy, societies would struggle to function harmoniously, leading to a rise in conflict and misunderstanding.

The Neurobiology of Empathy

Recent research in neuroscience has discovered the existence of ‘mirror neurons,’ cells in the brain that activate both when we perform an action and when we observe someone else performing the same action. This discovery has provided a biological basis for empathy, highlighting its inherent role in our lives.

500 Words Essay on Empathy

Introduction to empathy.

Empathy, a complex psychological phenomenon, is a fundamental aspect of human interaction. It is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, a bridge between self and others. Empathy allows us to perceive the world not only from our perspective but also from the viewpoint of other individuals.

The Two Dimensions of Empathy

Empathy is broadly divided into two dimensions: affective and cognitive. Affective empathy refers to the sensations and feelings we get in response to others’ emotions. It’s the ability to respond emotionally to another’s psychological state. Cognitive empathy, on the other hand, involves understanding others’ emotions from a more intellectual perspective. It’s the ability to identify and understand other people’s emotions.

The Role of Empathy in Society

Empathy plays a crucial role in society. By fostering understanding and compassion, it helps build strong and healthy relationships. It’s the foundation of effective communication, conflict resolution, and cooperation. Empathy is also a key aspect of leadership as it helps leaders understand and address the needs and concerns of their team members.

Empathy and Moral Development

Empathy is closely linked to moral development. It is the emotional response that propels us towards altruistic behavior. Empathy encourages us to act in ways that benefit others, even at a cost to ourselves. It is the driving force behind acts of kindness and compassion, shaping our moral decisions and ethical conduct.

Empathy in the Digital Age

In the digital age, empathy is more important than ever. With the rise of virtual communication, understanding and sharing the feelings of others can be challenging. However, empathy can help bridge this gap. It can help us navigate the complex digital landscape, fostering meaningful connections and promoting positive online interactions.

Empathy: A Skill to be Cultivated

In conclusion, empathy is a vital human capacity that enables us to understand and share the feelings of others. It plays a crucial role in our interpersonal relationships, moral development, and societal harmony. In the digital age, cultivating empathy is more important than ever. By enhancing our empathic abilities, we can foster a more understanding and compassionate society.

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

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Empathy: What Is It and How Does It Work Essay

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Introduction

The meaning of empathy, what it takes for one to express empathy, empathy in the society, empathy in the study book, how important is empathy, works cited.

Empathy is a virtue that is associated with human beings. It can be said to be one of the virtues that separate caring and uncaring people. This article examines the meaning of empathy in general. It shows what it means to have empathy as a human being. Empathy is also examined from the context of the book Do androids dream of electric sheep. The context of the story in this book reveals, in a special way, how empathy can be and cannot be expressed. The effects of expressing and not expressing empathy are also looked at. Over expression is specifically pointed out as being unhealthy.

Empathy has been defined as the ability to identify with a situation that another person is going through. It has also been defined as the ability to experience another person’s feelings (Empathy 1). When a person identifies with another person’s situation and tries to alleviate or mitigate the stressing factor in the situation, then one can say that he or she is expressing empathy. Acts of empathy may therefore include such actions as giving food to the needy in the society or providing shelter to those who are homeless. Generally, empathy has much to do with acts of kindness directed to people faced with situations which are hostile. It is kindness directed to people who need it based on how the donor or the person giving has perceived the situation at hand (Vincent 10).

The feeling of empathy comes up when there is a clear difference between the person being empathetic and the one who is the subject of empathy. Generally, two persons in the same unfortunate situation may not manifest empathy feelings towards each other. This is because of undergoing the same situation and neither of them may be in a position to help the other. But if two people are experiencing different unfortunate circumstances at the same time, they may be able console each other thus they may show empathy to each other. For instance, a bereaved person may show empathy to another person who has lost his or her house to fire.

Empathy can be examined as a feeling that pushes a person to do something good for another person particularly when the other person is in a bad situation. Basically, for one to express empathy therefore one needs to have feelings. One has to feel and be touched by what others are going through. Because empathy is just but a feeling, it does not really cost much, at least financially, to feel empathetic. However, acts of empathy may cost some resources depending on individual acts in question (Thagard 15).

What it takes to express empathy is therefore the ability to have the feeling first such that there is identification with the situation at hand and then being in a position to offer the help required in whole or in part. Empathy has to do with feelings and in cases where a person’s feelings have been hardened; empathy may not be manifested easily. A good illustration is those that propagate violence especially the leaders (Thagard 15).

Empathy can only be expressed between two person or more. For empathy to be expressed, one party (one person or persons) has to be in a disadvantaged or hostile position in order for the other to offer some assistance. It is worth noting that acts of empathy or helping others who are a hostile situation or in a position that need assistance should be on a voluntary basis. If one is coerced to help another person then such an action may not pass as an act of empathy. Empathy therefore has significantly to do with the willingness to help out of one’s own volition or free will.

There are many ways in which empathy can be expressed in the society. More often than not, people in the society are not endowed equally and therefore there are some who are less privileged. One way on expressing empathy therefore is by lending a hand to those who are less privileged. One way in which this can be done perfectly is through visiting children homes. Most of the children in these homes are orphans. By spending time with them, playing and talking with them, they get the feeling of being cared for. This is important as it enables them to develop self confidence. Apart from spending time with them one can gift them with items such as clothes.

One may also express empathy to the sick especially those admitted in hospitals. Patients admitted in hospital are more likely to undergo psychological distress especially because of being away from family members. Expressing empathy in this case can be done through a word of encouragement. Words of encouragement as gestures of empathy will also work well in a family setting especially when one of the members has been faced with an unfortunate situation, for instance, falling sick.

The study book Do androids dream of electric sheep depicts in a clear manner the meaning of empathy and how it is applied. The book starts by setting the conditions right for the empathy to be exercised. The whole world is destroyed and only a handful of living things survive. Human beings as well as animals are left vulnerable and in a state where they need each other. Empathy in this book is shown as a biological trait which no android, even the most intelligent, can imitate. This is because emotions cannot be programmed into a computer (Dick 1).

I am of the view that it is the human beings who are the subject of empathy in this book. This may sound reversal but taking into consideration the joy and satisfaction that humans get from keeping animals, it turns out to be true. To keep an animal is prestigious and those who cannot afford animals are forced to find pleasure in keeping electric animals. This act of keeping electric animals as seen in the book can only point out to the fact that humans have some desire within themselves to offer care that if not satisfied disturbs them. Animals come in to satisfy that need by accepting to be cared for by the humans.

Technically, as the animals are being shown empathy by being cared for they are also playing a major role of showing empathy to humans by allowing themselves to be cared for. Indeed in the book, empathy is viewed as a two way traffic action whereby one party is willing to show empathy to another party and the other party is willing to accept the actions of empathy advanced by the first party.

Empathy is a vital virtue to human beings. It can be said to be among the virtues that help to make the society better. As was noted in the book, empathy differentiates us from machines. It gives us the kindness that makes human beings different from animals. Empathy also helps to unite people as they identify with one another in various struggles that they undergo (Waal 1).

Although it has been generally agreed that empathy is important, there is a caution that it should be expressed carefully in some cases. Caregivers need to express empathy when attending to patients. However, it has been noted that expression of empathy too much may make the patients vulnerable to be hurt (Hojat 12). Too much expression of empathy in such a scenario may also make the patients feel that their situations are dire. Such a feeling will obviously do more harm than any good (Eisenberg 1).

Empathy has been viewed as the ability to identify with a situation that another person is undergoing. Empathy significantly has to do with feelings. Empathy is shown when a person is in an unfortunate situation that may need consoling. In most cases, empathy propels a person to do something about the situation in question. The feeling of empathy will therefore push one into action, however in some cases there are no actions which might be done. Therefore, empathy does not change because one has not responded to the prompt to act.

It has also been discussed that it only takes feeling to have empathy. Since one does not need to act in order to show empathy, it can be argued that almost every person can express empathy. Those who may not display empathy are those who have hardened their emotions. Showing empathy has a positive effect on those who receive it.

Empathy consoles them and psychologically strengthens them to keep on fighting. This is especially the case for patients. However, it has also been cautioned against too much expression of empathy as it may create the impression that a person is in such a desperate situation that he or she might not recover. This will psychologically affect the person in a very negative manner.

Dick, Philip. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep . New York: Orion, 2010. Print.

Eisenberg, Nancy. Empathy and Its Development . New York: CUP Archive, 1990. Print.

Empathy. Empathy vs. Sympathy . DIFFEN, 2013.

Hojat, Mohammad. Empathy in Patient Care: Antecedents, Development, Measurement, and Outcomes . New York: Springer, 2007. Print.

Thagard, Paul. The Brain and the Meaning of Life . New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2010. Print.

Vincent, Steve. Being Empathic: A Companion for Counselors and Therapists . New York: Radcliffe Publishing, 2005. Print.

Waal, Franz. The Age of Empathy: Nature’s Lessons for a Kinder Society . New Jersey: Crown Publishing Group, 2010. Print.

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IvyPanda. (2020, May 7). Empathy: What Is It and How Does It Work. https://ivypanda.com/essays/philosophy-of-empathy/

"Empathy: What Is It and How Does It Work." IvyPanda , 7 May 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/philosophy-of-empathy/.

IvyPanda . (2020) 'Empathy: What Is It and How Does It Work'. 7 May.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Empathy: What Is It and How Does It Work." May 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/philosophy-of-empathy/.

1. IvyPanda . "Empathy: What Is It and How Does It Work." May 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/philosophy-of-empathy/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Empathy: What Is It and How Does It Work." May 7, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/philosophy-of-empathy/.

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Good essays on empathy?

I'm currently in the middle of writing an essay on what makes an action moral and I want to include a section on empathy. I was wondering if someone could point me to some essays dealing with empathy either on a cognitive or emotional level. Thanks