Chapter 1: The Power of Empathy

Have you ever pondered the impact of empathy on our society? What if more individuals actively embraced this crucial quality?

Illustrations by John P. Weiss

Back in the mid-1970s, an Italian immigrant named Ted Strollo, who was homeless at the time, faced a life-threatening situation. In downtown Los Gatos, California, he stepped off the curb and was struck by a car that ran a red light. The accident left him severely injured and helpless on the pavement.

Witnessing the horrific scene, my father rushed to assist Strollo, holding his hand and offering words of comfort until emergency services arrived. After the incident, my father discovered that Strollo had been living in a cabin he had built in the woods above Los Gatos, surviving on acorn coffee and a simple life.

Despite his demanding job as an Administrative Law Judge in San Francisco, my dad took the time to visit Strollo in the hospital and eventually brought him home to recuperate. Along with my mother, he dedicated weeks to nursing Strollo back to health, even using his legal expertise to secure state benefits and a small apartment for him. Every Christmas, we would bring him gifts like socks and cookies.

“Can you fathom what it must be like for Mr. Strollo?” my father once asked me. “He is an elderly man without family or resources. It’s essential that we cultivate empathy for those in need.”

Roger Ebert once stated, “I believe empathy is the most essential quality of civilization.” My parents’ care for Strollo taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of understanding and aiding others.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines empathy as “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another.” Imagine how different our world could be if more people practiced empathy.

Chapter 2: The Challenge of Empathy

In the pursuit of empathy, we face challenges. It demands time, energy, and genuine focus on the experiences of others. Listening and understanding can be uncomfortable, as it may challenge our own beliefs and perspectives.

“To perceive is to suffer,” Aristotle once said. It is easy to retreat into the comfort of our familiar beliefs, surrounded by like-minded individuals. This echo chamber can reinforce our sense of having all the answers, but the truth often lies somewhere in between. Embracing empathy can help us uncover a deeper understanding of the world.

Self-absorption can severely hinder our ability to empathize. Recently, I overheard a heated debate in a coffee shop, where two customers were arguing about politics without any interest in understanding one another. They were merely reciting their talking points.

Imagine if one of them had paused and said, “Let me buy you a coffee. I’d love to learn about your perspective.” Such an approach could create a bridge for understanding and connection.

Daniel Goleman, in his book "Social Intelligence," remarks, “Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion.” When we focus solely on ourselves, our world shrinks, but shifting our attention to others allows us to expand our capacity for connection and compassionate action.

We may encounter individuals with extreme views, but it’s essential to ask ourselves why we dismiss those who simply have different opinions. When did we decide that disagreement justifies a lack of empathy?

The Miracle of Perspective

Consider the elderly woman driving slowly in front of you during your commute. Frustrated, you might honk and yell, but what you don’t know is that she recently lost her husband. She’s scared and out of practice, driving cautiously in a world that suddenly feels unfamiliar.

Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with her?” we should reflect, “What’s wrong with me?” Everyone is fighting their own battles.

The following poignant video from the Cleveland Clinic illustrates this truth beautifully.

Each of us has the potential to combat the growing insensitivity in society. By teaching our children the value of empathy, as my parents did, we can foster a culture of listening, understanding, and helping.

Henry David Thoreau once asked, “Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?”

Have you found yourself straying from empathy recently? I know I have at times. It’s a common human experience.

Imagine a society where we all commit to empathy and strive to see the world through others’ eyes. That’s the kind of community I aspire to be part of.

Before You Go

I’m John P. Weiss. I create cartoons, take photographs, and write insightful articles about life. For more, check out my Saturday Letters.