Sympathy

Sympathy is an extension of empathic concern, or the perception, understanding, and reaction to the distress or need of another human being. This empathic concern is driven by a switch in viewpoint, from a personal perspective to the perspective of another group or individual who is in need. Empathy and sympathy are often used interchangeably, but the two terms have distinct origins and meanings. Empathy refers to the understanding and sharing of a specific emotional state with another person. Sympathy does not require the sharing of the same emotional state. Instead, sympathy is a concern for the well-being of another. Although sympathy may begin with empathizing with the same emotion another person is feeling, sympathy can be extended to other emotional states.

Read more about Sympathy:  Origins and Causes, Communication, Human Behavior, Healthcare, Neuroscience Perspectives, Child Development, Evolutionary Origins

Famous quotes containing the word sympathy:

    The inspired scribbler always has the gift for gossip in our common usage ... he or she can always inspire the commonplace with an uncommon flavor, and transform trivialities by some original grace or sympathy or humor or affection.
    Elizabeth Drew (1887–1965)

    But as to women, who can penetrate
    The real sufferings of their she condition?
    Man’s very sympathy with their estate
    Has much of selfishness and more suspicion.
    Their love, their virtue, beauty, education,
    But form good housekeepers, to breed a nation.
    George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)

    In benevolent natures the impulse to pity is so sudden, that like instruments of music which obey the touch ... you would think the will was scarce concerned, and that the mind was altogether passive in the sympathy which her own goodness has excited. The truth is,—the soul is [so] ... wholly engrossed by the object of pity, that she does not ... take leisure to examine the principles upon which she acts.
    Laurence Sterne (1713–1768)