Quotes about Empathy

It's silly to try to escape other people's faults. They are inescapable. Just try to escape your own.

I often wonder how it is that most people value their own lives above others, yet value other's opinions of them over their own self-opinions.

When thou art offended with any man's shameless conduct, immediately ask thyself, Is it possible then that such men should not be in the world? It is not possible. Do not then require what is impossible. ... For at the same time that thou dost remind thyself that it is impossible that such kind of men should not exist, thou wilt become more kindly disposed towards every one individually.

Marcus sought by-laws to protect the weak, to make the lot of the slaves less hard, to stand in place of father to the fatherless.

Not to contemn any friend's expostulation, though unjust, but to strive to reduce him to his former disposition

In our relationships with others we must work for their collective good, while treating them justly and fairly as individuals.

Someone despises me. That's their problem. Mine: not to do or say anything despicable. Someone hates me. Their problem. Mine: to be patient and cheerful with everyone, including them. Ready to show them their mistake. Not spitefully, or to show off my own self-control, but in an honest, upright way.

How cruel—to forbid people to want what they think is good for them. And yet that's just what you won't let them do when you get angry at their misbehavior. They're drawn toward what they think is good for them. —But it's not good for them. Then show them that. Prove it to them. Instead of losing your temper.

All men are made one for another: either then teach them better, or bear with them.

When faced with people's bad behavior, turn around and ask when you have acted like that. When you saw money as a good, or pleasure, or social position. Your anger will subside as soon as you recognize that they acted under compulsion (what else could they do?)

The best kind of revenge is, not to become like unto them.

Not to shrug off a friend's resentment—even unjustified resentment—but try to put things right.