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What is empathy

2021-04-12 11:20:32


Respectful teachers and dear schoolmates:

Good morning, everyone. I am Jason. of the IB learner profile is caring which we show through empathy, compassion and respect to others. One of the key words is empathy, but what is empathy? Let's listen to a story and you'll understand.

Once, when my mother and I were having a meal in a hotel, I found a hair in the food. I stood up and was about to talk to the waiter when my mother stopped me. I didn’t understand why. Later, she told me that everyone makes mistakes at work. Maybe the hair fell out when the chef was cooking, or maybe it fell in when the waiter was serving food. It is nothing serious for us, but what will happen to them? Maybe self-criticism, a fine or a pay cut. None of these are what we want, right?

What I learnt from my mother’s words is that it is better to listen and think about other’s problems first before taking action, which is what we often call empathy.

We should want to cultivate our own empathy because in our life, those who have empathy are popular and worthy of everyone's trust. These are the four main steps to developing empathy:

1. Listen to your own feelings first. If you can't touch your own feelings, it's very difficult to experience the feelings of others.

2. Choose the right way to express your feelings.

3. Listen to others. Once your own feelings and expressions stop interrupting you, you can begin to practice empathy.

4. Answer others' feelings with consideration.

Empathy and compassion arise, as well as respect for what other’s think and do around us, when we put ourselves in their shoes.

My schoolmates, let’s be caring. Let’s act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.





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