Correct the power imbalances in your work and life with a science-backed practice that combines the rigor of Stoic philosophy with the relational impact of empathy.Stoicism combined with empathy may sound like a contradiction in terms. But when these seemingly opposing forces are harnessed together, they have the power to change your life. In this eye-opening book, professor Shermin Kruse offers you this radical perspective shift—anchored in her compelling personal story and supported by up-to-the-minute research—to help you navigate life's challenges with power and principles.
We often think of empathy as an emotional stance: we
feel what someone else is
feeling. But Kruse outlines a form of empathy that’s based in cognition, not emotion—a way for us to
understand what the other person is thinking and feeling while keeping a distance from their feeling state—and shows us how we can strategically maneuver our level of engagement from "emotional empathy" to "cognitive empathy" in different circumstances. Then she utilizes Stoic philosophy and modern science to outline the
how of emotional regulation and control. The bridge she builds between Stoicism and empathy gives us the knowledge and discipline we need to:
- Calmly assess the power dynamics of any situation
- Understand and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others
- Defuse danger and turn conflict into connection
- Skillfully steer a challenging conversation toward the result we want
Whether you're a leader striving to succeed in your role with integrity, an educator seeking to guide curious minds with compassion, a parent nurturing resilience in your children, or simply facing a personal or professional crossroads,
Stoic Empathy is an essential toolkit for negotiating success in every area of your life.
