Quotes about Empathy

To say we must be more mindful of our words is an understatement.

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.

President Lincoln was a master communicator, and humility was at the heart of all he said.

There, but for the grace of God, go I.

Let's cease thinking of our accomplishments, our wants. Let's try to figure out the other person's good points. Then forget flattery. Give honest, sincere appreciation.

If, as a result of reading this book, you get only one thing—an increased tendency to think always in terms of the other person's point of view, and see things from that person's angle as well as your own—if you get only that one thing from this book, it may easily prove to be one of the stepping-stones of your career.

PRINCIPLE 4 Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.

We are all united by one single desire: to be valued by another.

Instead of condemning people, let's try to understand them. Let's try to figure out why they do what they do. That's a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance and kindness. 'To know all is to forgive all.

Influence requires more intuition than intellect.

It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too much of youth. I was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years.

So when you and I are tempted to criticize someone tomorrow, let's remember Al Capone, "Two Gun" Crowley and Albert Fall. Let's realize that criticisms are like homing pigeons. They always return home. Let's realize that the person we are going to correct and condemn will probably justify himself or herself, and condemn us in return; or, like the gentle Taft, will say: "I don't see how I could have done any differently from what I have.