Empathy, the ability to feel what someone else feels, is a two-edged sword. When you can walk in someone else's shoes, see things from their perspective, that is empathy.

Some of the best and most ruthless union negotiators I ever dealt with had high levels of empathy. That ability, combined with intelligence, made them boardroom killing machines.

"What?" you say. "Empathy makes us kinder, gentler." My response is, "No it doesn't". Empathy gives the ability to see inside another's soul.

It is compassion that urges us to love, protect, help. But compassion without empathy is what gives us those interfering busybodies who poke and pry and give unwanted advice. They may want to help, but don't know how.

Empathy and compassion together can change the world for the better.