On this the eve of the Feast of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross – Edith Stein – it is fitting to have a discussion about one of her early writings (her Doctoral Dissertation “On the Problem of Empathy”).
This is a timely subject, particularly in our world today. Is there truly a lack of empathy? I think this is more complicated than a blanket statement. On the one hand we do see many examples that suggest empathy is certainly lacking—harsh social media discourse and a tendency to view people as “categories” and not as individuals.
On the other hand, I don’t believe empathy to be completely gone. The constant coverage by the news media – greater than ever – makes us more aware of global suffering. Because of this, we see groups of people who will rally together to help, donate to strangers, and stand up for the vulnerable.
If it is seen that empathy has vanished, it might be because it is buried under much noise and division—requiring a more intentional effort to practice empathy.
Empathy, according to Edith Stein, is the intentional, self-aware human person, capable of recognizing and respecting the experiences of another. Empathy becomes both a means of knowing others and a foundation for love, community, and spiritual growth.
For Stein, empathy is not just psychological; it is the basis of community, ethics and solidarity. Through empathy we come to know others not as objects, but as subjects with dignity and depth.
What does a lack of empathy in a society lead to? I believe it can produce a range of harmful consequences both on the individual and community level:
Increased polarization and division
Social injustice and indifference
Erosion of community and relationships
Violence and cruelty
Mental health crisis
Impaired moral and spiritual growth
Incorporating empathy into our lives is both a conscious decision and a daily practice. It is more than just “feeling for someone”—it is the ability to “feel with them,” to enter into their experience without judgement or distraction. We can incorporate empathy more deeply into our lives by:
Being present and attentive
Do not judge
Acknowledge feelings
Engage in acts of kindness and compassion
Make empathy a daily intention
Remember empathy is not just a feeling—it leads to action. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, and showing up for people—maybe just to listen!!
