"Apprends-moi à ressentir le malheur d'autrui"
— Alexander Pope
Simplified Meaning:
Imagine someone is going through a really tough time. They're sad, worried, or in pain. Now, imagine you have the ability to understand exactly what they're feeling, almost like you're feeling it too. This is called empathy. Empathy helps you connect with others and show kindness, because you get what they're going through. For instance, if your friend just lost a pet, they'd be heartbroken. Even if you've never lost a pet, you can still think about times you've been sad or lost something important to you. Remembering your own feelings can help you understand and comfort your friend better. Practicing empathy can make you a better friend and person. It helps build stronger relationships because you show others that you care about their feelings. When you understand other people's struggles, you can support them more effectively and help make their burden a little lighter.