Sympathy, Empathy, and Compassion: How do they differ and which one do people prefer?

Sympathy, empathy, and compassion are words that have not only remained largely uncontested in society but are often used synonymously. In this illustrated video you will learn the important differences between these three forms of care and which one is most impactful to those that you interact with. Learn about the power and enduring impact of compassion for the benefit of those you come in contact with and yourself.
After a decade of research with individuals, ranging in age from 8 to 92, who are all too familiar with the debilitating effects of suffering and the transforming power of compassion, we have learned some important differences.
As illustrated in this animated video, sympathy is a pity-based response to a distressing situation that is characterized by a lack of relational understanding and the self-preservation of the observer--it goes nowhere and does nothing for the person in suffering. Empathy, involves the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes, to not only acknowledge suffering but to feel with the person and attempt to understand them in the process--an upgrade from sympathy but not without limitations--including being fairly conditional.
Compassion, takes empathy to the next level, by not simply 'doing unto others as you would have them do unto you' but 'doing unto others as the would want done unto themselves'. Most importantly, unlike sympathy or empathy, compassion requires action--compassion involves not simply observing and feeling for the person in suffering but taking action to alleviate a persons suffering.
Visit the Compassion Research Lab Cinema to view our other animated videos on compassion: www.drshanesin...

[@EatPlantations]

Nice breakdown and definitions. I've found that too many people are quick to judge even in their attempts at "empathy", many have trouble with true empathy. There are few who are good at trying to empathize, but most people are just wanting to judge or give quick solutions. This is often challenging for the one that is suffering.

[@srividyabadrinarayanan9382]

perfect crystal clear explanation of the differences between all three. Great job!

[@bushrarasheed5182]

What I've percieved is that sympathy generates negative feelings, emapthy fells us a little better but still without any support. However, compassion is appropriately a required treatment to the suffering of a person, either physical, mental or emtional diseases and calamities. Thanks 😊

[@yijijeong7395]

This is what exactly defines compassion that I should keep and improve. Thank you for your dedication to the research about compassion.

[@ReinoudvanReekumナウト]

I had this conclusion myself, but was never sure. This video confirms it and gives it a little bit extra with clarity. Thank you very much for this insight.

[@compassionresearchlab9526]

Glad you liked it Reinoud and drew the same conclusions. The soul often intuitively knows these things, long before science confirms it🤓

[@margaretarossyyy]

Just the perfect explanation and example that I need! thank you for the info, I'll definitely looking forward for your contents :)

[@compassionresearchlab9526]

😃Thanks for the kind words. You can also access all our videos here if you like www.drshanesinclair.com/videos

[@JoyTimothy-g6h]

Thank you for this explanation. It clarifies the three words.

[@francis_clavel]

Thank you for the video, it's really well made :)

[@talktokaren]

This is a wonderful video on how to teach kids in these situations! THANK U !!!!!

[@compassionresearchlab9526]

Thanks Karen

[@utahimelaurant3592]

this video made me cryad I don't know why ...

[@whatever-gv5ot]

I think I have realised now, that I have often been empathetic, but rarely compassionate, when someone needed my help. Think I am going to change that

[@compassionresearchlab9526]

🙏🏼

[@mattiomattio]

compassion and empathy are intertwined

[@DanielaCastillo-d8e]

Excellent explanation!

[@Overtonl1234]

I’ve found people don’t possess any of it. When you get treated like an object rather than a human being, you come to understand this. It can definitely make you lose your own if you allow it.

[@compassionresearchlab9526]

It often can feel that way, and while compassion can be cultivated-like all growth it is sometime much slower than we would like. Slow and steady 🐢wins the race🏁 Thanks for your reflection.

[@jesseedwards9021]

Probably objectifying yourself too, have some accountability.

[@GearTech147]

​@@jesseedwards9021 Please do not victim-blame. You don’t know what they've gone through.

[@polandsprings21]

I knownimna year late but i felt this 💯. I gotta friend who...out here for better lack of words. N she always tell me how nobody's here for her. Took her about a year to realize she was with me and my bro damn near daily n never judged. Inly listened n treated her normal. Like a friend. Idk what happened. We lost touch but i hope shes doing fine. Relationships are seasonal i guess

[@kayakMike1000]

​@@GearTech147they have gone through a lot of tissue boxes feeling sorry for themselves. People who have really been in the shit don't whine about it in the comments section. So grow a pair of cojones and don't use the internet as a coping strategy.

[@mckennalynn1916]

So it seems to mean that Sympathy is lowest it's pity feeling sorry for someone not doing much to help them, but more to just help yourself by saying your sorry. Empathy is the second one because it helps others by you putting yourself in there shoes and making them feel validated, but that's it. Compassion is the highest. No sympathy, by the actions you take to help them your showing empathy without having to say anything. Would have been nice to learn this in school!

[@hkmorhsi]

Very good video

[@mindfulnessasia1082]

By developing some spiritual awareness and appreciation, we can begin to feel others. It is so important that we try to see what we have in common with others, and not always notice some differences. As I begin to experience a commonality with others, one will automatically a sadness for the suffering of all other beings. Bodily identity divides people. With spiritual vision we see the true equality of all living beings. We see that we are all in the same situation, the experience of temporary happiness and distress in this world. That we are all longing for the same type of joy, peace, purpose.

[@aishawf]

Thank you!

[@ABDULKARIMHOMAIDI]

Thank you so much !!!

[@go4damo]

I feel like we dont always "try". It can come natural!

[@circletimeauntiekeneisha]

i love this sad you don't have more subcriber

[@PiCheZvara]

Compassion and empathy are one of the biggest tricks in the world. As in it's normal to help others, but you should really be more concerned about yourself. At all times. Putting others first at your expense isn't a virtue. Holding yourself back because you feel for others not having the same opportunities is a mistake.

[@user-jc1ok5fl9i]

Being concerned for yourself is a human default. We are selfish at our core and have a strong preference for our own thoughts, opinions, beliefs. We also have an innate desire to connect with others because we are a social species. We evolved the ability to mirror emotions because it was advantageous to do so. At all times we must balance our own selfish nature with our need to belong which requires understanding and connecting with others in a prosocial way. When we can do that we find nobody is left out. We can meet our own needs AND meet the needs of others.

[@isabellechauvin2531]

Existe t'il une version traduite en français ?? Merci

[@compassionresearchlab9526]

nous sommes désolés mais il n'est pas disponible en français

[@allandm]

Can we all show more compassion towards animals? I don't get why seemingly compassionate people are fine with confining, mutilating and killing pigs for meat cuz 'it tastes good'. Especially when we have so many plant foods available.

[@HouseOfEditZ123]

Because it tastes Delicious yummy pork crackle mmmm

[@allandm]

@@HouseOfEditZ123 i mean sure, someone might eat a human baby and find it delicious. Surely that doesn't justify it? When do we ever use pleasure to justify any action?

[@HouseOfEditZ123]

@@allandm no meat is good pork is really good they are just animals God created them for us they have no souls

[@allandm]

@@HouseOfEditZ123 back in the day people used god as an excuse to have slaves, now we use god as an excuse to abuse animals. No soul? Cmon. You think dogs have no soul? Pigs and cows are no different

[@deeveevideos]

So are you against if the animals tortured and confined? Or is it you just don't want any animal to be eaten?

[@lrowe6494]

Sometimes I feel like I am not be heard .

[@compassionresearchlab9526]

We hear you😉. Being heard and understood is essential to ensuring that compassion is effective and personalized to what the person needs, which might be different than what we would need if we were in their shoes 👟

[@stokes111111]

i like this

[@Yella_Light_TV]

The kind cat and the lost kitten-Amazon

[@Sage_1230]

❤

[@debleeann81]

or some people give none of those

[@AhmadRaza-z9d]

bhai boring hai bhot intersinting video bna na