We often confuse empathy with pity, sympathy, and even compassion. They are different; the former are reactions to the plight of others.
For example, pity is a feeling of discomfort at another's distress and often has condescending overtones, while sympathy is a feeling of concern for someone accompanied by a wish that the person be happier. Sympathy entails a more profound personal engagement than pity; however, does not involve shared emotions. On the other hand, compassion is more engaged than empathy, and is associated with an active desire to alleviate another's suffering.
With empathy, we share emotions; with compassion we not only share emotions but also elevate them into a universal and transcending experience. Compassion, which builds upon empathy, is one of the main motivators of altruism (selfless concern for the well-being of others).
Adapted from Heaven and Hell: The Psychology of the Emotions by Neel Burton
Focusing more effort on possessing empathy by placing ourselves in "someone else's shoes" and attempting to understand how others feel, will help us form more compassionate responses to the suffering of others and may lead us down the path of altruism.
Moreover, offering genuine empathy... leading to compassion... leading to altruism can bring needed change to our shared world.
Peace to you and yours - Jackie
