The direct result of shutting out the points of view of those we disagree with is a loss of empathy. Disagreement, handled gently, can lead to a great deal of understanding. Demonizing can lead to only one thing – the end of civil relationships. We can only relate to each other if we’re open to each other’s emotions, experience and points of view. When considering another person we must, if only for a moment, put ourselves in their shoes and listen to the fullness of their life. Or the emptiness of their life. We must not be quick to judge. We must not move to silence them. We must always hold them as equals, regardless of how much we disagree with them. This is empathy.
The Logic of Empathy
The Logic of Empathy
The Logic of Empathy
The direct result of shutting out the points of view of those we disagree with is a loss of empathy. Disagreement, handled gently, can lead to a great deal of understanding. Demonizing can lead to only one thing – the end of civil relationships. We can only relate to each other if we’re open to each other’s emotions, experience and points of view. When considering another person we must, if only for a moment, put ourselves in their shoes and listen to the fullness of their life. Or the emptiness of their life. We must not be quick to judge. We must not move to silence them. We must always hold them as equals, regardless of how much we disagree with them. This is empathy.