Empathy is the ability to imagine what it must be like in someone else's situation. It is an essential part of what it means to be human, to the extent that we are suspicious of anyone who does not show empathy in their behavior.
We read novels, watch television and go to the theatre, and part of our enjoyment comes from understanding the dilemma faced by the characters because we know how we would feel if we were in the same situation.
One study has shown animals displaying empathy towards other animals and towards humans. Creatures from across the animal kingdom such as bees and whales, as well as domestic pets, display behavior that suggests they cooperate with and protect each other.
In another study, psychiatrist Jules Masserman and his team conducted an experiment with monkeys in which the monkeys pulled one of two chains that released food. One chain simply released the food, while another gave an electric shock to a second monkey. The first monkey stopped pulling the chain that delivered the shock.This empathetic behavior was observed in a number of monkeys.
The origin of empathy is probably the need for the young of all animal species to be cared for. They communicate this requirement by crying for attention and to show pain. Both human and non-human young were more likely to survive if their parents reacted positively to their needs. People and animals alike are social beings and are more likely to work together.If we help others, we are also helping ourselves and so empathy is sensible and realistic.
We don't always display empathy, however. Just as animals react aggressively to unknown creatures from their own or other species, humans tend to regard people they don't know with suspicion.Our unwillingness to trust anyone unfamiliar is as natural to us as our empathy towards those we know and love.
A. To feel empathy is not restricted to real life.
B. You can empathize with someone without feeling sympathy for them.
C. This fear of strangers will, we believe, protect us from personal danger.
D. It seemed to be willing to go hungry rather than see a fellow animal suffer.
E. However, it seems that in fact empathy may not be a quality unique to humans.
F. Empathy plays a role in that as it allows us to understand our fellow humans better.
G. It's certainly difficult to understand an animal's intention behind an emphatic response.
