This meme popped up again recently on social media. Nothing groundbreaking, and of course there are other ways to learn to be more empathetic, but it resonates with this blogger.
Reading good books to young children has to be one of the most loving and fun ways to teach empathy. I don’t know who wrote the quote, but I can’t help but agree with it. How about you?
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Hi Jennifer – it resonates with me too. Reading is such a great way to understand other people, and, while you can develop empathy in other ways, as you say, for me, reading fiction does it so well.
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It really does help, I believe. Thanks for commenting, Barbara!
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I’m grateful that my nephews read to their children when they were little (well, one is still doing that with his 4- and 6-year-old). I wasn’t read to when I was a child and I don’t know if my sister even had time to read to her boys (between being a farmer’s wife and her part-time job working nights at a maternity ward). Yet, I grew up loving books, and I know writing, for me, is one way I try to develop empathy. I think that’s the key reason there are so many efforts at banning books: the book-banners don’t want children to develop empathy. It’s sick.
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I never thought of that before, Marie, but you’re most likely right. Imagine not wanting children to be empathetic. It is sick.
I read a lot to my kids, but what I mostly remember about my own childhood book experience was going to the library, and also seeing my dad reading often. I’m sure it helped shaped me to be a lifelong reader.
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I loved going to the library. Although no one read to me, I remember my mother describing me as always having my nose in a book 🙂
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You sound like me. My dad once said, “ Look at her. She’s gone right into the book!”
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Great post, Jennifer. A reminder of the value of reading. 🔖📚📖
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Thanks so much. A world without books and readers is a sad one indeed.
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It’s a profoundly important reminder, Jennifer! The connection between books and the decline of violence is such a fascinating lens.
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I agree! Thank you for weighing in.
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Reading is something I love to do
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You and me both!
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Absolutely!
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I can’t imagine a life without reading!
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Wholeheartedly agree with this quote, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Lois. And if there is one thing this world needs, it’s more empathy, however it’s learned or gained.
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A GREAT meme, Jennifer! The importance of reading books has rarely been summed up better.
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Through many of my reading years, the building of empathy hadn’t occurred to me. But it’s so true. And that goes for audiobooks too, for those who like them. Thanks, Dave.
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That quote is so true. I once saw author Steven Pinker talk about his book, “The Better Angels of our Nature.” He credits the printing press and books for creating empathy and lessoning violence in the world.
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He was right, I believe. Unfortunately, devices have taken over, attention spans have shortened, and books have fallen by the wayside for many. It’s so sad.
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