Covid proves ultimate leveller for empathy
The global pandemic has created a seismic shift, one where empathy and human connection are now paramount. Success in our daily lives is now measured by our emotional intelligence and ability to connect with others.
Clinical psychologist and author Dr Harold Hillman places a high value on empathy, saying it is fundamental to human connection, and cites Jacinda Ardern and Barack Obama as empathy role models.
We asked him some questions about his recent book EM-PA-THY:
What was your key driver for writing this book?
I had always intended to write a book on empathy in 2020. I outlined the first draft in January 2020, before Covid was a part of the global psyche. Then the pandemic hit and life changed for nearly everyone on the planet. The most visceral way to experience empathy is to have walked in the shoes of another person.
How well do we do empathy in New Zealand?
Nordic countries are better with empathy, teaching its importance in primary school and throughout formal education. Some nations are colder around empathy. I personally find New Zealand to be an easy country to live in. Yes, we have a way to go around the empathy gene, particularly as our population grows more browner, blacker and Asian. But we’re far ahead of some other nations.
Can we learn to be more empathic or is it innate?
Empathy most definitely can be learned. If a person is reasonably insightful and motivated, empathy can most definitely be learned.
Living through a global pandemic brings out the best (and worst) in people. How does empathy make a difference?
The pandemic has levelled the playing field . . . all over the world. We have all been on the same learning curve, inventing the rule books as we go along. Everyone can relate to the vulnerability associated with not knowing exactly how next week will play itself out. That is the world we are now living in. Empathy causes us to lean in a bit more, to take a little more time in a conversation, to render yourself more present when someone really needs you to be there.