We all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote is speaking to a universal truth about the human condition. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, a capacity that inherently exists within us. It's the emotional thread that binds us together, allowing us to experience the world from another person's perspective. However, displaying empathy requires courage. It takes courage to open oneself to the pain, struggles, or joy of others, to admit that we can relate to those feelings and, sometimes, to act on that understanding. This courage can be daunting because empathy can lead us into unfamiliar emotional territories or force us to confront our own vulnerabilities. It's much easier to stay guarded, to keep our emotional walls up rather than risk the potential discomfort that empathy can bring. But it's when we bravely choose to display empathy, to understand and connect with others, that we truly honor our shared humanity. It's a call to be vulnerable, to reach out to others, to be more than just spectators in the journey of life.
Who said the quote?
The quote "We all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it." was said by Maya Angelou (Bio / Quotes). Maya Angelou was an American poet, author, and civil rights activist who is best known for her memoir "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
During World War II, a powerful example of the quote "We all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it." is found in the actions of Oskar Schindler. Schindler, a German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party, initially saw the war as an opportunity for profit. However, as he witnessed the brutal treatment of Jews under the Nazi regime, his empathy gradually overcame his self-interest.
Schindler's empathy grew as he came to know the Jewish workers he employed in his factory. He saw their humanity, their suffering, and the cruelty they faced daily. But it wasn't just enough to feel this empathy; the real challenge lay in acting on it. In Nazi Germany, helping Jews was not only frowned upon but was punishable by death. Schindler’s decision to save as many Jews as possible by employing them in his factories was a display of immense courage. He risked his life, his fortune, and his standing within the Nazi Party.
By the war's end, Schindler had saved the lives of over 1,000 Jews, not through passive empathy, but by taking courageous action. His story illustrates the message of the quote perfectly: empathy alone is a passive feeling, but when combined with courage, it becomes a powerful force for change. Schindler's legacy is a testament to the fact that it is not enough to simply feel for others—we must also have the courage to act on those feelings, even in the face of great personal risk.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In everyday life, the quote "We all have empathy. We may not have enough courage to display it." can be applied in numerous situations, particularly in moments when doing the right thing feels uncomfortable or risky.
Imagine a workplace scenario where a colleague is being unfairly treated by a supervisor. You notice the unjust behavior and feel empathy for your colleague, who may be too afraid to speak up. Many people in this situation would recognize the injustice but might choose to remain silent out of fear of retaliation, or simply because it’s easier to stay out of conflict. However, empathy alone doesn’t change the situation—courage is needed to act.
Displaying empathy with courage might involve you speaking up on behalf of your colleague, either directly to the supervisor or by bringing the issue to human resources. It might mean offering support to the colleague, letting them know they’re not alone and encouraging them to stand up for themselves. This action could be uncomfortable; you might fear becoming a target yourself, or worry about how others will perceive you. But it’s in these moments that the true value of empathy is realized—not just as a feeling, but as a guiding force for action.
The application of this quote in real life shows that courage is the catalyst that transforms empathy into meaningful impact. Whether it's standing up to a bully, supporting a friend in need, or taking a stand against unfair practices, it is the courage to act on our empathetic feelings that truly makes a difference in the world. In this way, the quote encourages us to push beyond the passive experience of empathy and to embrace the challenges that come with doing what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
