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The youngest children have a great capacity for empathy…

“The youngest children have a great capacity for empathy and altruism. There's a recent study that shows even 14-month-olds will climb across a bunch of cushions and go across a room to give you a pen if you drop one.” quote by Alison Gopnik
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“The youngest children have a great capacity for empathy and altruism. There's a recent study that shows even 14-month-olds will climb across a bunch of cushions and go across a room to give you a pen if you drop one.”

Alison Gopnik

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Young children naturally exhibit empathy, helping others even without direct benefit.

In simple terms: Kids can be kind without reward.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and nurture early empathy.

Themes

empathy altruism development social behavior

Mood

hopeful inspirational

Type

observational research

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • education
  • community building

Key Concepts

psychology early childhood development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can adults model empathy for children?
  • What environments foster altruistic behavior?
A Different Perspective

Children’s empathy may be limited by social conditioning later.

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