I wasn’t sure entirely what to expect from this book, and the author’s humor is appreciated and made it easier to read. This is not some “how to get empathy” self-help book, but one that talks about real-world situations with studies and research showing ways to improve or increase the capacity for empathy in society.

One of the biggest recurring topics in this book is trying to promote empathy in society between different groups of people. The tribalism and isolation that has only grown in the past few decades make this a timely book. The attempts to bridge divides, however, is quite varied depending on the groups of people involved (not political, as one might expect).

Several different groups are represented: the police and the public, former supremacists returning to the broader community, immigrants and natives, the rich and the poor, (former) prisoners seeking rehabilitation and trust… the list goes on. The studies also talk about those who are seen as needing empathy for their work, like nurses and doctors or teachers, and how that empathy needs to be balanced so as to prevent burnout.

The biggest takeaway from this book is that empathy for others is something that can be learned and worked on with effort. Clashes of cultures, religion, ideology, etc. throughout history have softened through repeated contact with “the others”, whoever they may be. It’s taking the time to understand and actually communicate, to get to know someone on a more personal, equitable playing ground that leads to understanding.

It’s not as long a read as it appears. The last 90 pages are appendixes, footnotes, info on studies, etc. But some of the studies and the attempts to bridge gaps are interesting and some may raise eyebrows in the main text’s pages. They invite you to see where you are at and how you may respond in the face of the scenarios and situations that are in the pages.

I found it pretty enlightening. Perhaps you will, too.