How to Be More Empathetic: Recommended Reading List

"1. Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It by Roman Krznaric “Empathy is a radical tool for social change.” “You can step into someone else’s shoes without losing your own identity.” “Listening is the foundation of empathy.” “Expand your circle of concern beyond your tribe.” “Empathy fuels connection, not division.” 2. The Art of Empathy by Karla McLaren “Emotions are not the enemy—they are essential messengers.” “Empathy is an internal skill, not just external behavior.” “Healthy empathy requires boundaries.” “Tune into your emotions first, then others’.” “You can learn empathy like any other skill.”"

"3. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown “Empathy is feeling with people, not fixing them.” “Vulnerability is the birthplace of empathy.” “Courage and compassion go hand in hand.” “Shame can’t survive being spoken and met with empathy.” “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” 4. Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg “Empathy is giving someone your full presence.” “Behind every criticism is a deep unmet need.” “When we hear the needs behind words, we hear differently.” “Judgments disconnect; needs connect.” “Empathy is a respectful silence, not a lecture.” "

"5. Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown “Naming emotions is a path to empathy.” “We can’t connect with others if we don’t understand our own emotional world.” “Language gives shape to our feelings.” “Empathy is grounded in understanding, not reacting.” “The heart of connection is shared meaning.” 6. I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown “Shame thrives in silence but withers in empathy.” “Empathy is not feeling for someone; it’s feeling with them.” “We’re wired for connection.” “Empathy starts with self-compassion.” “You can’t give what you don’t have.”"

"7. A Fearless Heart by Thupten Jinpa “Compassion is empathy in action.” “You can train your mind to be more compassionate.” “Caring for others improves your well-being.” “Kindness is not weakness—it’s strength.” “The heart is a skillful teacher.” 8. Born for Love by Bruce D. Perry & Maia Szalavitz “Empathy is learned through relationships.” “Children deprived of connection struggle to empathize.” “The brain is shaped by love or its absence.” “Violence grows where empathy fails.” “We’re biologically wired to care.”"

"9. The War for Kindness by Jamil Zaki “Empathy is not a fixed trait—it’s a muscle.” “Witnessing compassion increases your own capacity for it.” “Empathy grows through effort, not comfort.” “The world changes when people choose kindness.” “Your actions shape who you become.” 10. Against Empathy by Paul Bloom “Empathy can be biased—compassion should be rational.” “Feeling others’ pain doesn’t always lead to wise decisions.” “Balance empathy with reason and fairness.” “Not all empathy is moral.” “We need deliberate compassion, not impulsive emotion.”"