Why are people motivated in building a more mutually empathic world?
People are motivated to build a more empathic world for several reasons, rooted in both individual and societal benefits:
Empathy acts as a "psychological superglue" that fosters cooperation, kindness, and tolerance, which are essential for a harmonious society. It helps people connect, even across differences, by promoting understanding and shared humanity17.
Empathy drives prosocial actions such as volunteering, forgiveness, and helping those in need. It reduces aggression and bullying while encouraging positive attitudes toward marginalized groups, such as the homeless or disabled12.
Empathy enhances personal and professional relationships by fostering trust, compassion, and effective communication. Empathic individuals are often perceived as warm and caring, which strengthens connections with others56.
Empathy can reduce systemic biases and discrimination by encouraging people to see others as part of their "ingroup," fostering tolerance for diverse perspectives and backgrounds17.
Empathy is linked to greater happiness, lower stress levels, and improved emotional resilience. It also benefits others indirectly, such as patients of empathic doctors or children of empathic parents who experience better outcomes in health and emotional regulation57.
Empathy motivates individuals to address societal issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Role models who value empathy inspire others to take compassionate action in their communities28.
Research shows that empathy is not static—it can be developed through effort and practice. A "growth mindset" about empathy encourages people to invest in improving their ability to understand and care for others25.
Ultimately, building a more empathic world leads to stronger communities, healthier relationships, and a more inclusive society where individuals thrive together.