Has Society Lost Its Capacity for True Empathy?
Empathy is under scrutiny in a new book by podcaster Yasmine M'Barek, who claims society has lost its ability to truly understand others. In I Feel You: On Empathy, she argues that modern life—shaped by capitalism and self-interest—has eroded our sense of shared humanity. Experts from psychology and medicine also weigh in on why empathy matters and how it can be cultivated.
M'Barek's book begins with a stark observation: the desire to genuinely comprehend others has nearly disappeared. She links this decline to a culture dominated by competition, where the 'survival of the fittest' mindset leaves little space for compassion. At the same time, she highlights a paradox—while many appear emotionally detached, social media overflows with performative displays of sympathy.
Psychologists distinguish between two forms of empathy. Emotional empathy means feeling what another person feels, while cognitive empathy involves understanding their perspective without necessarily sharing their emotions. M'Barek stresses that developing cognitive empathy is not just personal but a sociopolitical necessity. It requires assuming others act for reasons and engaging with differing views openly.
In palliative care, empathy takes on a practical role. Specialist Anna Möhr describes it as a core skill, broken down into three steps: meeting people where they are, listening without judgement, and striving to grasp their experiences. Her approach mirrors the broader call for empathy as a tool for connection rather than division.
The discussion around empathy spans psychology, medicine, and social critique. M'Barek's work suggests that rebuilding it demands conscious effort—both in personal interactions and systemic change. Meanwhile, professionals like Möhr demonstrate its real-world impact, proving that empathy remains vital in fields where human connection is everything.
