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Appropriate Quote by Frans de Waal

“Empathy as a complex emotion is different. It requires awareness of the other person's feelings and of one's own reactions. The appropriate reaction may not be to cry when another person cries, but to reassure them, or even to leave them alone.” quote by Frans de Waal
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“Empathy as a complex emotion is different. It requires awareness of the other person's feelings and of one's own reactions. The appropriate reaction may not be to cry when another person cries, but to reassure them, or even to leave them alone.”

Frans de Waal

About This Quote

Source Book: Good Natured: The Origins of Right and Wrong in Humans and Other Animals, Frans de Waal, 2019

Empathy involves recognizing both others' emotions and one's own, then choosing an appropriate response beyond mirroring feelings.

In simple terms: Empathy = awareness + appropriate response.

Key Takeaway

Practice mindful empathy.

Themes

empathy emotion awareness

Mood

thoughtful compassionate

Type

psychological social

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • team leadership
  • conflict resolution
  • parenting

Key Concepts

theory of mind social cognition emotional regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you responded with reassurance instead of mirroring?
  • How do you balance self‑care when empathizing?
A Different Perspective

Empathy can be misread as over‑involvement.

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