Empathy is a Skill to Develop

Empathy is often perceived as an innate trait, but it is actually a skill that can be cultivated over time. Jamil Zaki argues that many people assume their empathy level is fixed, akin to their height, leading to a fatalistic outlook on interpersonal connections. However, research shows that our brains are capable of change throughout our lives, allowing all aspects of ourselves, including empathy, to be improved. This shift in perspective enables individuals to understand that they can actively work on enhancing their empathy through various practices.