Explain It to Me Is empathy toxic?
11 snips
Oct 5, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Jamil Zaki, a Stanford psychology professor, delves into the science of empathy, breaking it down into three components: emotional empathy, cognitive empathy, and empathic concern. Roxanne Stone, an executive editor, critiques the notion of 'toxic empathy' arising from some evangelical voices, exploring its political implications. They tackle whether empathy hinders objectivity and discuss the societal shifts reducing our incentives to empathize. Zaki also shares tips on cultivating empathy and recovering from burnout.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Therapist Runs Out Of Compassion
- Erica Steenbergen describes feeling worn out from empathizing with clients all day as a couples therapist.
- She realized she needed ways to 'put brakes' on empathy after becoming emotionally exhausted.
Vicarious Stress Builds Through The Day
- Everyday workers accumulate vicarious stress from interacting with upset customers, coworkers, and traumatic news.
- People often lack awareness that this vicarious load explains evening exhaustion and mood changes.
Toxic Empathy Argument In Religious Circles
- Some conservative Christian writers argue empathy can be 'toxic' by leading Christians away from objective truth and moral clarity.
- They frame a contrast between 'jumping into quicksand' and staying on solid ground to rescue others effectively.
