Dave Rahardja (temporarily spooky) on Nostr: Speaking of empathy, it’s surprising how often (i.e. more than once or twice) ...

Speaking of empathy, it’s surprising how often (i.e. more than once or twice) I’ve heard that someone doesn’t have empathy because they’re neurodivergent. “They don’t have empathy because they’re autistic” has crossed my ear more than once, which I find really weird.

Empathy is learned. Yes, even for neurotypical people. I’m neurodivergent, and I find it difficult sometimes to understand what someone else is experiencing just by observing them. But I find ways to learn. I read. I watch movies. I imagine being in other people’s shoes. It’s a skill I had to develop. I may have had a harder time learning it, but it’s nowhere near impossible for the vast majority of humans.