"共感とは他人の中に自分の共鳴を見つけることです"
— Jacqueline Novogratz
Simplified Meaning:
Empathy is when you understand how someone else feels because you can relate to their situation. Imagine your friend is sad because their pet died. Even if you haven't lost a pet, you remember how you felt when something important to you was gone, like a favorite toy being broken. That memory helps you understand what your friend is going through. Being empathetic means connecting your own experiences with what others are experiencing. It’s like finding a similar feeling inside yourself to understand someone else's emotions. When you do this, you can offer better comfort and support because you truly understand where they are coming from. For example, if a classmate is nervous about giving a presentation, recalling a time you were scared to speak in front of a crowd helps you offer helpful advice and encouragement. By drawing from your own emotions and experiences, you show that you care and can be a good friend.