1,354 Quotes About Empathy

The way to understand any enemy is to realize that, from his perspective, he is not a villain but a hero.

In the moment when I truly understand my enemy, understand him well enough to defeat him, then in that very moment I also love him. I think it’s impossible to really understand somebody, what they want, what they believe, and not love them the way they love themselves.

It’s easier, somehow, if there’s a reason for tragedy---lust or jealousy or hatred or revenge. We can find in these explanations an emotional tenor commensurate with the gravity of the act. There’s something we recognize as human, a motive toward which we can direct our rage but can also understand, at some primal level, as an extension of ourselves.

Sooner or later in life, we will all take our own turn being in the position we once had someone else in.

This tedious letter to you . . .what is one life to another?

Are you proud of yourself tonight that you have insulted a total stranger whose circumstances you know nothing about?

When a guide meets up with someone who is lost, ordinarily his reaction is to direct him on the right path, not mock or malign him, then turn on his heel and walk away. As for you, lead someone to the truth and you will find that he can follow.

When you get caught up on other peoples' problems, solve them with caution so you don't suffer the excessive burdens of regrets.

Empathy means giving compassionate attention to another by either silently or verbally reflecting their feelings and needs. There’s no need to fix or take care of the other person’s experience, only to offer warmth, acceptance and respect for their perspective and experience.