Psychopaths and narcissists are able to feel empathy; itâs just that they donât typically want to.
ONE death is a tragedy. One million is a statistic.
Youâve probably heard this saying before. It is thought to capture an unfortunate truth about empathy: While a single crying child or injured puppy tugs at our heartstrings, large numbers of suffering people, as in epidemics, earthquakes and genocides, do not inspire a comparable reaction.
Studies have repeatedly confirmed this. Itâs a troubling finding because, as recent research has demonstrated, many of us believe that if more lives are at stake, we will â and should â feel more empathy (i.e., vicariously share othersâ experiences) and do more to help.
Not only does empathy seem to fail when it is needed most, but it also appears to play favorites. Recent studies have shown that our empathy is dampened or constrained when it comes to people of different races, nationalities or creeds. These results suggest that empathy is a limited resource, like a fossil fuel, which we cannot extend indefinitely or to everyone.
What, then, is the relationship between empathy and morality? Traditionally, empathy has been seen as a force for moral good, motivating virtuous deeds. Yet a growing chorus of critics, inspired by findings like those above, depict empathy as a source of moral failure. In the words of the psychologist Paul Bloom, empathy is a âparochial, narrow-mindedâ emotion â one that âwill have to yield to reason if humanity is to survive.â
âThere is strong evidence that reading for pleasure can increase empathy, improve relationships with others, reduce the symptoms of depression and the risk of dementia, and improve wellbeing throughout life, new research carried out for The Reading Agency has found.â - Neil Gaiman
Creative Mornings Vancouver with Dana Chisnell (@danachis) - amazing talk about design and our civic duty. In partnership with Design + Content Conference. To taking action!
âIf you want users to love your design, fall in love with your users.â @DanChis. Thanks @johnathonv & AJ Graphics for the postcards! (at SFU Woodwardâs)
Samantha Reynolds is the president and founder of Echo, a storytelling agency that makes books, videos and digital stories for companies that need to engage employees and customers, and for individuals who want to leave a legacy.
Since 1999, the award-winning agency has produced over 300 story projects for clients across North America, including local clients such as lululemon, the PNE, Rocky Mountaineer, St. Paulâs Hospital, Goldcorp and JOEY Restaurant Group.
Samantha was named one of Vancouverâs âTop 40 Under 40â in 2005, is a sought-after speaker on how to use storytelling to engage employees, customers and even your kids. Samantha and her company have been profiled in over 150 news stories in print, radio and television, including the New York Times, The Globe and Mail, Canada AM, Macleanâs and Canadian Business.
How do you define creativity and apply it in your career?
Creativity is not a skill; itâs a mindset. I apply it every day as a leader to try to stay porous and gutsy. Porous to let each day seep in so that I donât ignore a spark that could ignite a big new idea. And gutsy so that when I smell an opportunity, I donât analyze it to death â I trust my creativity instinct and go for it.
Where do you find your best creative inspiration?
Listening to or reading other creative people reflect about their creative process.
Whatâs the one creative advice or tip you wish youâd known as a young person?
You donât need to wait for a big stretch of uninterrupted time to be creative. Itâs not about the outcome. Itâs the being. Itâs seeing the world through creative eyes that is the true rush.
Who would you like to hear speak at CreativeMornings?
- Douglas Coupland
- Dave Eggers
- Pete McCormack
What has been one of your biggest Aha! moments in life?
âThe little things? The little moments? They arenât little.â â Jon Kabat-Zinn
What practices, rituals or habits contribute to your creative work?
I write a poem every day. Usually at night before I go to sleep. Nothing arcane, just a short download of something I noticed that day. It keeps my noticing muscle alive.
