The Universal Bond of Empathy

In the modern world, the ability to empathize is becoming a powerful source of goodness that allows people to see the pain of others as their own and not remain indifferent. By forming an emotional connection with strangers, one almost feels their joys and sorrows, prompting a response to injustice or suffering even when it involves a life that is not their own.

The true strength of empathy lies in the ability to fully immerse oneself in another’s emotional state, to put oneself in their shoes and experience their feelings as if they were personal. This approach not only stirs a desire in a person to protect another, but it also helps one realize that caring for one’s neighbor is an expression of our deep humanity and love. Observing the struggles of others, many become involved in efforts to restore justice and offer support, even when it concerns completely unfamiliar individuals.

In conclusion, the innate capacity to empathize allows each of us to be a source of support and protection for others. This energy, which comes from accepting others as they are, makes human relationships genuine and strong, and the world a little warmer and fairer.

Why do people sometimes protect strangers, and how can the phenomenon of empathy in such situations be explained?

People sometimes protect strangers because their inherent capacity for empathy enables them to perceive the suffering of others as their own and to see every person as kindred, even if they are strangers. Empathy is the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes, to feel their emotions and sentiments, which can compel a person not to remain indifferent in the face of suffering or injustice affecting someone they do not know personally.

For example, as noted in one source, empathy is defined as follows:
"Empathy is a term introduced by psychotherapist C. Rogers. Empathy is about sympathy, experiencing the same as the interlocutor, the ability to put oneself in the other person's place. Empathy is not self-sufficient; it works only within a triad: empathy, congruence (authenticity, sincerity), acceptance..." (source: link ).

This means that the ability to understand another person and share their experiences helps one respond to another's pain or injustice. When a person sees a stranger’s suffering, they may feel a sense of solidarity that prompts them to step in and protect that individual.

Another example explaining the phenomenon of empathy can be found in a description of generosity and compassion:
"Imagine that some person is very generous. Then he gives to everyone without discrimination, because if he were generous to one person and not to another, that would not be generosity. One must learn to perceive another person as oneself. Like this captain: his servant is sick. Well, let him die, what does it matter? I’ll take another, as you say, a servant! What is he needed for? Only to clean boots, iron clothes, and dust off the collar. Oh, no. He took on their pain as his own. While one is sick, another feels compassion." (source: link ).

Thus, when a person perceives another’s pain and suffering as their own, it becomes difficult for them to remain indifferent – this very fact compels people to protect strangers. In protecting others, they not only strive to uphold justice, but also express their universal love and care, which is a fundamental aspect of human nature.