A while back it was announced that David Einhorn had made the promotion of empathy his philanthropic mission. The Greenlight Capital founder stated his mission as the following: “…to inspire a movement of empathetic citizens who, with mutual respect and understanding, ultimately build an increasingly civil society.” Or to shorten that goal—“helping people get along better.”
One may ask, “How is that accomplished? How can one promote empathy?”
There are several organizations which have that mission and can answer that question. One nonprofit is called Roots of Empathy, and is one of the organizations that has received donations from Einhorn.
Roots of Empathy has a list of stated goals on their website. This organizations basically focuses on fostering the development of empathy through the development of emotional literacy. It intends to reduce levels of bullying, and help to prepare students for responsible citizenship and parenting. That is just to name a few things. It has an extensive 639 page curriculum!
Roots of Empathy’s goal is to break the intergenerational cycle of violence and poor parenting. This can be achieved mainly through an educational program with trained volunteers who help implement the lessons.
In first glance, an empathy program may seem a little less practical than tackling poverty or curing diseases, but in some ways, it is even more innovative and essential. Practicing empathy would truly go a long way in this world. Being able to promote peace and helping people to get along better? It seems like there is not a better time for this program.