Since the dawn of humanity, humans have sought ways to understand themselves and others. Empathy, a concept that is at the heart of many conversations about well-being and human relationships today, has its roots in ancient Greece, where the term “empathie” referred to the ability to feel with another. Over the centuries, this concept has evolved, adapting to advances in psychology and neuroscience, revealing its profound importance in our daily interactions.
But what is empathy really? Is it just about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, or does it go deeper than that? Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s emotions, but it also involves the skill of responding to those emotions in a compassionate way. In its purest form, empathy is an act of human connection that allows us to form deeper, more meaningful bonds with those around us.
The human brain is designed to feel empathy. Recent studies in neuroscience have identified a series of specialized neurons called “mirror neurons,” which are activated when we observe the actions or emotions of others. These neurons allow us to indirectly experience the experiences of others, which leads us to feel the pain, joy or anguish of others as if they were our own. In fact, research from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has shown that these neurons play a crucial role in empathy and social cohesion.
A fascinating example of empathy in action can be seen in the behavior of animals. Elephants, for example, have been documented comforting members of their herd who have lost a loved one. What does this tell us about our capacity as humans to connect with the pain of others and provide support? If empathy is not unique to humans, why do we sometimes seem to have such a hard time exercising it in our daily lives?
Neurobiology also shows us how empathy can develop or diminish depending on circumstances. A study from the University of Cambridge found that traumatic experiences can dull our empathic capacity, while practicing activities such as compassion meditation can increase our ability to connect with others. This opens an important debate about whether empathy is innate or can be trained.
What happens when we lose the ability to empathize? A lack of empathy has been linked to disorders such as narcissism and psychopathy, conditions in which emotional connection with others is minimal or non-existent. However, experts such as neuropsychologist Simon Baron-Cohen believe that, with the right approach, even these people can learn to be more empathetic with proper training and support.
Empathy is not only a tool for understanding others, but it also transforms us internally. Research has shown that people who regularly practice empathy report higher levels of personal satisfaction, healthier relationships, and greater emotional resilience. In the words of Brené Brown, one of the foremost experts on vulnerability and empathy: “Empathy is not connecting to fix, it’s connecting to listen.”
So how can we be more empathetic in our everyday lives? It all starts with active listening. Letting go of our judgments and simply being present for others is an empathetic act in itself. And while we may not always have the answers, our willingness to listen and validate others’ emotions can be the first step toward a more connected world.