Empathy

Written by a Gathering Currents 2025-2026 Intern. Edited by Co-Executive Director Lilly Fellows.

All humans are born with the capacity for empathy and begin to demonstrate it at about 18 months of age. The ability to understand and respond to other people’s emotions is essential to the health of our social networks. Even other species have demonstrated sensitivity to the emotions of their peers. For example, elephants have been known to sacrifice themselves for the safety of their young. In the image below, one chimpanzee comforts another after losing a fight. 

Despite the importance of empathy, it is often overlooked. Technology, distractions, and the fast pace of modern society may all play a role. Thankfully, empathy can be strengthened with practice. We can offset these inhibitors by prioritizing empathy in our daily lives. Make a conscious effort to listen actively, take another person’s perspective, and validate their emotions in your daily routine. 

People seek relationships that are mutually beneficial. When one person demonstrates empathy, it supports the other and encourages reciprocation. Empathy can have a ripple effect throughout entire communities. As we demonstrate empathy in our interactions, others are inspired to do the same, establishing a social norm in which people support one another. Positive social connections also enhance the quality of our own mental health and self-esteem.

When we encounter a problem, empathizing with a target helps us become successful active bystanders. Bystanders are less likely to feel empathy for those who are visibly different from themselves, often referred to as outgroup members. Making an effort to address our biases, connect with people who are different from ourselves, and consume media that represents diverse cultures can help us respond empathetically to all targets, regardless of our differences. 

Empathy goes beyond superficial feelings of pity or sadness. It involves connecting with someone else’s experience on a personal level. For this reason, successful active bystanders are able to transform empathy into effective action against harm. This does not mean that empathetic bystanders do not experience inhibitors. Rather, they are able to overcome them through moral courage. By considering the target’s perspective, empathy helps bystanders act on what they know is right despite barriers they may face.