Meaningful human interaction requires empathy, the ability to understand and share another's feelings. It promotes genuine connections, compassion, and social cohesion. Sympathy involves acknowledging another's hardships from your perspective, often leading to pity rather than a shared emotional experience. The difference between empathy and sympathy is key. Sympathy makes you a compassionate observer, but empathy immerses you in another's experience, deepening understanding and connection. Sympathy disconnects, but empathy connects. 
 
Increased social isolation, digital dependence, and polarization are to blame. Screen time and online interactions can sometimes hinder emotional intelligence and empathy. Social polarization makes it hard to empathize with opposing views. A lack of empathy can lead to societal suffering, discrimination, and a lack of compassion. It also makes working with others, especially those with different views, harder. 
 
How can individuals be helped to demonstrate more empathy? That question has provoked much thought among business leaders, government leaders, social activists, and workers. This book sheds light on many of these questions.