--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Whenever an individual’s own needs become…" description: "\"“Whenever an individual’s own needs become so primary that they obscure the perception of another’s needs, mutual concern and empathy cannot exist.”\" —..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/judith-v-jordan-phd-250919_empathy_whenever-an-individual-s-own-needs-becom_2096348.jpg" --- # Whenever an individual’s own needs become so primary that… ![“Whenever an individual’s own needs become so primary that they obscure the perception of another’s needs, mutual concern and empathy cannot exist.” quote by Judith V. Jordan PhD](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/judith-v-jordan-phd-250919_empathy_whenever-an-individual-s-own-needs-becom_2096348.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/judith-v-jordan-phd-250919_empathy_whenever-an-individual-s-own-needs-becom_2096348.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0f5/judith-v-jordan-phd-250919_empathy_whenever-an-individual-s-own-needs-becom_2096348.jpg) > ““Whenever an individual’s own needs become so primary that they obscure the perception of another’s needs, mutual concern and empathy cannot exist.”” Judith V. Jordan PhD ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. When self‑interest eclipses others’ needs, empathy cannot thrive. **In simple terms:** Self‑interest blocks empathy. Key Takeaway Prioritize others’ needs. Themes empathy self‑interest mutual concern psychology Mood concerned analytical Type Empathy:1 Feminism:0 Mutuality:1 Psychology:1 Philosophy of Mind:0 Concern Empathy:0 Mutual Concern:1 Empathy Exist:0 Needs Mutual:0 When to use this quote - relationships - leadership - conflict resolution Key Concepts ethical behavior social cognition Questions to Reflect On - How can we balance self‑care and empathy? - What structures support mutual concern? A Different Perspective Self‑interest is sometimes necessary. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Empathy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/empathy/) [Feminism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feminism/) [Mutuality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mutuality/) [Philosophy of Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy-of-mind/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) ## Related quotes > [“any community or family discussion, those who are the first to introduce concern for empathy feel powerless, and are trying to use the togetherness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-h-friedman-2/any-community-or-family-discussion-those-who-are-the-first-to/) [Edwin H Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-h-friedman-2/) > [“One day the killing will be over, either because the oppressed will have their liberation or because there will be so few left to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/omar-el-akkad/one-day-the-killing-will-be-over-either-because-the-oppressed-will/) [Omar El Akkad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/omar-el-akkad/) > [“Should you operate upon your clients as objects, you risk reducing them to less than human. 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