Can there ever be drawbacks to empathy?

Empathy is known to be a valuable trait, allowing humans (and other species) to connect and form mutually beneficial bonds. That said, knowing how and when to be empathic is as important as cultivating empathy.

In this video, filmmaker Danfung Dennis, scientist Bill Nye, and actor Alan Alda discuss the ways empathy can be cultivated and practised to affect meaningful change – both on a personal and community level.

Yet, as we learn, empathy is not a cure all. Psychologist Paul Bloom explains the differences between empathy and compassion, and how the former can “get in the way” of some of life’s crucial relationships.

View the original video here.

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