We have compiled a list of powerful books about empathy to read in 2021. After all, empathy doesn’t always come easy, so we could use some inspiration.
Empathy is in short supply nowadays! We might think that empathy means using the right words to describe someone’s feelings, but empathy is beyond understanding someone’s feeling. Just like Brene Brown said : “Empathy fuels connection. Sympathy drives disconnection.”
Flexing Our Empathy Muscle
Empathy doesn’t always come easy, of course. We could all use some inspiration, so here we share five books to exercise our empathy muscles and to see things from the other side :
The Curious Incident of the dog in the night time
Author : Mark Haddon
Description : A piece of fiction, the story follows Christopher, a 12-years-old with Asperger Syndrome, which is a form of autism.
What we love : Adults and teens can gain insights into what it is like to be on the autism spectrum. Readers learn how to overwhelming the sights, smells, and sounds of the London underground feel for Christopher and how difficult it is for him to read emotions.
Mindsight : Transform Your Brain with the new science on Empathy
Author : Daniel J Spiegel
Description : The book integrates brain science and psychotherapy. Mindsight allows readers to make positive changes by increasing our self-awareness and developing more profound empathy.
What we love : The book includes case studies from the author’s clinical practice. It’s like a master class to upskill our own ability to empathise with others.
The Art of Empathy : A Complete guide to Life’s Most Essential Skill
Author : Karla McLaren
Description : What if there were a single skill that could directly and radically improve your relationships and your emotional life? Empathy, teaches Karla McLaren, is that skill. With The Art of Empathy, she teaches us how to perceive and feel the experiences of others with clarity and authenticity—to connect with them more deeply and effectively.
What we love : Informed by current insights from neuroscience, social psychology, and healing traditions, this book explores empathy as a natural, innate ability that we can strengthen and develop. Empathy, reflects Karla McLaren, is the skill that builds bridges— a skill that not only creates connection, but that helps us to be more effective in all areas of our lives
The Sneetches and Other Stories
Author : Dr Seuss
Description : Published in 1953,
The Sneetches and Other Stories is a collection of stories by American author Dr. Seuss. It is composed of four separate stories with themes of tolerance and diversity.
What we love : This book highlights the importance of inclusion, especially about the “us vs. them” mentality. After all, empathy is about we, not me. Appearances shouldn’t divide us !
Compassion inc : Unleashing the Power of Empathy in Life and Business
Author : Gaurav Sinha
Description : Do you ever wonder how successful businesses can be used as a force for good? Do you sometimes feel conflicted by the principles of capitalism? Do you wish to change the world around you whilst doing what you love?
In this book, Gaurav Sinha, world-class businessman and entrepreneur, founder of Insignia in 2003, outlines the economics of empathy for life and for business.
What we love : The author offers actionable solutions to maintaining a successful trade in a changing global landscape where conscience, ethics, and authenticity are high on the agenda. The world is changing, perceptions are shifting, consumers are evolving, and this book will ensure your business keeps up.
