Paul is working on making compassion a
primary personal and cultural value, while Edwin is working on
making empathy a primary personal and cultural value. In this
dialogue we
explore the differences, similarities and relationship
between empathy and compassion.
Discussion Notes by Lidewij Niezink, Some key points they discussed (and I
lashed on to... ;-)): • In order to generate interest, creating a
social movement is a good idea. • Constant fortification of the threat system
in our brains blocks people from caring about others. • Are we moving towards being more empathic as
a society? Is the current tendency to polarise just a 'step back'? • Empathy has to be a core competence in order
to see what our common interests are. • People want to belong, which is why a
movement can be a good vehicle to dissipate more empathy and compassion in the
world. • Empathy opens us up to obtain emotional
wisdom. • Empathy needs to be mutual in order to bond,
the practice of reflective listening makes us find common ground. • It would be good to build an
empathic/compassionate habit outside of conflict. The suggestion of a weekly
empathy circle within the family or in schools was made. • Mindfulness has captured attention of many
people, however, it is not sufficient. • Empathy is a skill which can be used for
good or bad. The motive behind it is the crucial determining factor. • Empathy is, according to Edwin, also a way
of being, not just a skill. • Compassion motivation
is at the core of the type of empathy these two men would like to see spread
in the world.
