You 2.0: Empathy Gym

Overview

• Date: August 31, 2020
• Platform: NPR's Hidden Brain series
• Hosts: Shankar Vedantam, Parth Shah, Tara Boyle, Jennifer Schmidt

Key Concepts

Empathy as a Trait

• Empathy is not fixed; it can be developed and strengthened, akin to a muscle.
• Lack of empathy can occur when it is not actively practiced, leading to atrophy.

The Importance of Fiction

• Reading fiction is linked to increased empathy.
  • Fiction allows readers to connect with characters from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Provides insight into lives and perspectives one may not encounter in real life.

Jamil Zaki's Insights

• Book: "The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World"
• Empathy involves understanding others' realities as equal to one's own.
• Challenges the notion that differing opinions equate to dishonesty or lack of intelligence.
• Encourages mindful interaction with others, even when their views differ from our own.

Practical Application

• Empathy should be actively practiced and exercised to maintain and grow.
• Viewing others' perspectives as equally valid can lead to more meaningful interactions.

Supporting Resources

• Study by Dodell-Feder & Tamir: Fiction reading has a positive impact on social cognition.
• Study by Bruneau, Cikara, & Saxe: Parochial empathy can reduce altruism.

Conclusion

• Empathy is a dynamic ability that can and should be cultivated.
• Engaging with fiction and consciously exercising empathy can enhance social connections and understanding.