A prerequisite to empathy is simply paying attention to the person in pain.

Self-absorption in all its forms kills empathy, let alone compassion. When we focus on ourselves, our world contracts as our problems and preoccupations loom large. But when we focus on others, our world expands. Our own problems drift to the periphery of the mind and so seem smaller, and we increase our capacity for connection - or compassionate action.

Brain studies of mental workouts in which you sustain a single, chosen focus show that the more you detach from what's distracting you and refocus on what you should be paying attention to, the stronger this brain circuitry becomes.

There is zero correlation between IQ and emotional empathy... They're controlled by different parts of the brain.

Empathy and social skills are social intelligence, the interpersonal part of emotional intelligence. That's why they look alike.

In a high-IQ job pool, soft skills like discipline, drive and empathy mark those who emerge as outstanding.