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The Genius of Empathy: Practical Skills to Heal Your Sensitive Self, Your Relationships, and the World
Ignite empathy as a superpower for transformative personal healing, deeper relationships, and more potent work in the world.
Empathy is so much more than feeling deeply―it holds transformative power to heal ourselves, strengthen our relationships, and amplify our purpose. Dr. Judith Orloff, known for landmark works like The Empath’s Survival Guide , introduces empathy as a daily healing practice and form of emotional intelligence. It is not only for highly sensitive people but for all deep feelers and those who want to develop empathy as a new skill.
Drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and energy medicine, Dr. Orloff shows us how to access our sensitivities, soothe our nervous system, and stop absorbing the emotions of others. She begins with the magic of empathy to find greater self-love and healing―including from trauma. Subsequent chapters apply empathy to our relationships, communities, and the world. Exploring each chapter’s practices, you’ll learn the art of empathic listening, how to stop overthinking, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries and loving detachment to prevent overwhelm, burnout, and more.
This practical, action-driven guide helps us connect our minds and hearts to embody our most authentic, fierce, and compassionate selves. “Cultivating empathy is a kind of peaceful warrior training,” says Dr. Orloff. “You will learn to be both strong and loving, neither a pushover nor rigid. Wherever you are in your life, this book can meet you there and lift you higher.”
Empathy is so much more than feeling deeply―it holds transformative power to heal ourselves, strengthen our relationships, and amplify our purpose. Dr. Judith Orloff, known for landmark works like The Empath’s Survival Guide , introduces empathy as a daily healing practice and form of emotional intelligence. It is not only for highly sensitive people but for all deep feelers and those who want to develop empathy as a new skill.
Drawing on insights from neuroscience, psychology, and energy medicine, Dr. Orloff shows us how to access our sensitivities, soothe our nervous system, and stop absorbing the emotions of others. She begins with the magic of empathy to find greater self-love and healing―including from trauma. Subsequent chapters apply empathy to our relationships, communities, and the world. Exploring each chapter’s practices, you’ll learn the art of empathic listening, how to stop overthinking, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries and loving detachment to prevent overwhelm, burnout, and more.
This practical, action-driven guide helps us connect our minds and hearts to embody our most authentic, fierce, and compassionate selves. “Cultivating empathy is a kind of peaceful warrior training,” says Dr. Orloff. “You will learn to be both strong and loving, neither a pushover nor rigid. Wherever you are in your life, this book can meet you there and lift you higher.”
272 pages, Hardcover
Published April 9, 2024
86 people are currently reading
6063 people want to read
About the author
Judith Orloff
76 books409 followersJudith Orloff, MD is a psychiatrist, an empath, and author of the recent book "The Genius of Empathy" (Foreword by the Dalai Lama) which offers powerful skills to tap into empathy as a daily healing practice. Her upcoming children’s book "The Highly Sensitive Rabbit" is about a caring rabbit who learns to embrace her gifts of sensitivity through the kindness of loving animals. Her other books include "The Empath’s Survival Guide" and "Thriving as an Empath."
Dr. Orloff is a New York Times bestselling author and a UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty member. She synthesizes the pearls of conventional medicine with cutting-edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff specializes in treating highly sensitive people in her private practice. She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, and in the New York Times and Scientific American. Learn more about the power of empathy at www.drjudithorloff.com
Dr. Orloff is a New York Times bestselling author and a UCLA psychiatric clinical faculty member. She synthesizes the pearls of conventional medicine with cutting-edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff specializes in treating highly sensitive people in her private practice. She has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, and in the New York Times and Scientific American. Learn more about the power of empathy at www.drjudithorloff.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 13, 2024
"The Genius of Empathy" is a game-changer for anyone looking to harness the transformative power of empathy. Dr. Orloff not only validates the sensitivity within us but also equips us with practical tools to navigate its complexities. This book is like a warm hug for your soul, especially if you're one of those sensitive types like me. But honestly, it's not just for us delicate flowers; anyone looking to level up their empathy game can find some serious gems in here.
What I love most is how Orloff breaks it down with real-world examples and practical tips. It's not some lofty, unreachable theory; it's down-to-earth stuff you can actually use. Plus, she dives into the science behind it, which totally blew my mind. Neuroscience, psychology, energy medicine – she covers all the bases. So, if you're ready to turn your empathy into a superpower, grab a copy of this book ASAP. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
What I love most is how Orloff breaks it down with real-world examples and practical tips. It's not some lofty, unreachable theory; it's down-to-earth stuff you can actually use. Plus, she dives into the science behind it, which totally blew my mind. Neuroscience, psychology, energy medicine – she covers all the bases. So, if you're ready to turn your empathy into a superpower, grab a copy of this book ASAP. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2024
Always of value, Judith Orloff adds another helpful book to her credit with The Genius of Empathy.
Sensitivity to my environment has long been something I’ve criticized about myself. Judith Orloff somehow gave me a fresh outlook on decades of loathing my empathic traits. Her writing is gentle, easily read, and practical. I’ll be referring back to it as needed for refreshers on my perspective.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing for allowing access to a digital ARC.
Sensitivity to my environment has long been something I’ve criticized about myself. Judith Orloff somehow gave me a fresh outlook on decades of loathing my empathic traits. Her writing is gentle, easily read, and practical. I’ll be referring back to it as needed for refreshers on my perspective.
Thanks to NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing for allowing access to a digital ARC.
April 9, 2024
Whether you are a naturally empathetic person, or you are looking to evolve your empathy abilities, you will definitely find helpful information in this book. There are several sections, including:
• Your empathic style—tools for discovering and nurturing your unique sensitivities
• Self-care for empaths—practices to soothe your nervous system to prevent empathy overwhelm
• Setting healthy boundaries to regulate how you process the emotions of others
• How to apply empathy to ourselves to find greater self-love and healing, including from trauma
• Recognizing and protecting yourself from empathy-deficient persons such as narcissists, sociopaths, and bullies
• Using empathic listening and leadership in any situation—at work, in your relationships, and in service to the world
I highlighted nearly all of the listening section. Wow! This section alone would make the book worth buying. Then I read the section on protecting yourself from deficient persons and again with the highlighting. I just couldn't stop. Judith presents excellent information to the reader that is easy to digest and understand. I will definitely be referring back to both of these sections. I had several 'aha' moments while reading where I had to put the book down for a while to really reflect on what I had learned.
If you are a leader in your job, I feel you will find the final section of the book to be very helpful. This section includes very helpful conversation examples.
Thank you NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
• Your empathic style—tools for discovering and nurturing your unique sensitivities
• Self-care for empaths—practices to soothe your nervous system to prevent empathy overwhelm
• Setting healthy boundaries to regulate how you process the emotions of others
• How to apply empathy to ourselves to find greater self-love and healing, including from trauma
• Recognizing and protecting yourself from empathy-deficient persons such as narcissists, sociopaths, and bullies
• Using empathic listening and leadership in any situation—at work, in your relationships, and in service to the world
I highlighted nearly all of the listening section. Wow! This section alone would make the book worth buying. Then I read the section on protecting yourself from deficient persons and again with the highlighting. I just couldn't stop. Judith presents excellent information to the reader that is easy to digest and understand. I will definitely be referring back to both of these sections. I had several 'aha' moments while reading where I had to put the book down for a while to really reflect on what I had learned.
If you are a leader in your job, I feel you will find the final section of the book to be very helpful. This section includes very helpful conversation examples.
Thank you NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 3, 2024
THE GENIUS OF EMPATHY by Judith Orloff is a life-changing force of intelligence, compassion, and astounding power for the individual becoming their best self all the way through the greater world. Change yourself with the love and understanding you then extend to others and be ready for warmer encounters, smoother transactions, a great flow of art and productivity in all aspects of your life. As with all her books. Orloff's brilliant insights and wonderful writing are motivating, encouraging, and visionary. I cannot say enough good things about this book -- a true keeper for my bookshelf -- and one I will gift far and wide. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.
June 25, 2024
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Sounds True for choosing me.
Interesting and informative read. Full of examples, tips and strategies that can help the reader utilize their empathy to their fullest potential.
Great read.
Interesting and informative read. Full of examples, tips and strategies that can help the reader utilize their empathy to their fullest potential.
Great read.
March 28, 2024
Fantabulous
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
Incredible read!
October 2, 2024
The Genius of Empathy was more about what it is to be an empath and the energy side of it, rather than practical skills to heal your sensitive self.
The author discusses empathy styles. I knew about empathy but wasn't aware of the four unique styles: cognitive, emotional, intuitive, and spiritual. How we attune to ourselves and others may differ, depending on which style we relate to most strongly. My primary styles are Intuitive and Emotional.
──The styles of empathy are as follows:──
Cognitive ‣ Empathy that you feel with your mind. You use your mind to understand others and wish the best for them. You are solution-oriented. Advantages: You are calm in a crisis, a brilliant analyzer, and keep an emotional distance so you don't get overwhelmed by intense feelings or risk losing yourself in people.
Disadvantages: You risk seeming cold or detached. To protect yourself from feeling so much you may disconnect from your own emotions or another's. You offer solutions too quickly before someone fully expresses their feelings. You get exhausted from overthinking.
Emotional ‣ Empathize with others through your emotions. You have a big heart and are responsive to people's needs. You feel everything but sometimes to an extreme. You may be an emotional sponge whose body absorbs other's distress, as well as their joy. Since emotions can be contagious, you are vulnerable to catching them. You mirror other people's emotional states. You are emotionally present with people and they feel your caring.
Advantages: You are loving and compassionate. You're a good friend, partner, and coworker. You're passionate about helping others. You make people feel seen and heard.
Disadvantages: You are overwhelmed by too many emotions. You get tired from overgiving and people-pleasing. You have difficulty setting healthy boundaries. You neglect your own needs and worry excessively about others.
Intuitive ‣ Your keen intuition and sensitivity let you read people and their nonverbal cues more easily. Your intuition senses if someone is being authentic or if they aren't. You have strong gut feelings, aha insights, knowings, or dreams. You also feel positive and negative vibes that people emit. The energy that someone radiates communicates volumes about them.
Advantages: You have strong intuition and an open heart. You're attuned to the subtle vibes of people, places, and nature. You're able to read other's needs. You express empathy by sensing the energy of emotions.
Disadvantages: You may feel tired, anxious, or drained around people. You feel exposed or to open in the world. You are an energy sponge who absorbs other's stress or emotions. You tend to get overloaded by the number of intuitions you pick up and don't know how to turn them off.
Spiritual ‣ You empathize with others through your spirituality. Consider this style divining empathy which describes the process of connecting to spirituality however you define it to open your heart. For some, spirituality could be God, Goddess, nature, a creative intelligence, or the power of love. The divine is a stepping stone to your large compassionate self. You become a vessel for spirit as you give and receive empathy.
Advantages: You value empathy as a spiritual gift and sacred way of life. You are gratified by giving and being of service. You practice forgiveness and tolerance. You use prayer and meditation as ways to receive intuitive guidance for yourself, others, and for the highest good of all.
Disadvantages: You may become a martyr and take on other people's suffering. You are burdened by the world's weightiness, depression, and pain. Your identity is mainly linked to giving to others rather than receiving. You may view self-care as an indulgence, not as a necessity to replenish yourself.
──────────────────────────────────────
All styles can heal in their own ways and you'll discover how to make the most of your assets and experiences with different styles to broaden your horizon. People with narcissistic personality disorders or empathy deficient disorders will not have a style of empathy because they lack this quality.
It also covers people with narcissism. They often have most or all of the following traits. Even if someone only has one or a few, they likely have some narcissistic tendencies. Common traits of someone with narcissism:
‣ Needs admiration, compliments, and validation
‣ Is grandiose, manipulative, and entitled
‣ Lacks empathy
‣ Dominates and devalues others
‣ Throws emotional crumbs to keep others hooked in
‣ Gaslights and lies
‣ Sets off love bombs
‣ Punishes others with coldness, the silent treatment, and other forms of abandonment
──The types of narcissists are as follows:──
Grandiose - They like to boast and be the center of attention, feel self-important, and surround themselves with loyal people who only agree with them. They may be obsessed with looks, success, and wealth. Often they project the image of being wonderful to the world, but privately they mistreat and exploit their loved ones. Some exude a charisma that makes you feel intoxicated and off-center.
Vulnerable - The vulnerable type is more hidden, subtler, and trickier to recognize since they prefer to stay out of the spotlight. They may be withdrawn because of their insecurities, low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. Even though their vulnerabilities are real, they can also use them to manipulate others. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, they may appear sweet, even shy, self-effacing, and caring, but later they use generosity to control you so that you feel you're indebted to them. You're gratitude and neediness feed them. They may also play the victim by appealing to your sympathy.
──────────────────────────────────────
There are various degrees of narcissistic personality disorder ranging from lacking empathy and being manipulative to the most abusive, aggressive, and sadistic versions of either the grandiose or vulnerable type.
A narcissist's lack of empathy makes it easy to mistreat people without remorse. They believe nothing is their fault. The author mentions that she's seen too many inexperienced therapists get played by narcissists and end up believing their side of the story demonizing their partners, associates, and family members.
People with narcissism play dirty. When you resist their manipulations, they might threaten to undermine your relationships or status in the community. Making your life miserable restores their sense of power over you. Since they have an empathy deficient disorder and lack of conscience, they aren't disturbed by hurting you. They feel justified in doing so, therefore they don't hesitate to badmouth you to your children, colleagues, or whoever will listen, or they will spread lies to get loved ones on their side.
The book is about harnessing the power of empathy and how to embrace it, and the healing grace of forgiveness and releasing resentments giving you a way out of suffering from past hurts. Forgiveness refers to forgiving the person, not the damaging act. What do you forgive? A person's shortcomings, limitations, or unhealed emotional injuries, whether they're aware of them or not that cause them to be insensitive or harm others. Empathizing with people's hidden struggles will help you release resentment as well as any unwanted attachment to the person and the trauma they caused so you are freer to move on.
It reminds us of the strength and beauty within our empathic hearts. I recommend it for anyone seeking to embrace their sensitivity.
The author discusses empathy styles. I knew about empathy but wasn't aware of the four unique styles: cognitive, emotional, intuitive, and spiritual. How we attune to ourselves and others may differ, depending on which style we relate to most strongly. My primary styles are Intuitive and Emotional.
──The styles of empathy are as follows:──
Cognitive ‣ Empathy that you feel with your mind. You use your mind to understand others and wish the best for them. You are solution-oriented. Advantages: You are calm in a crisis, a brilliant analyzer, and keep an emotional distance so you don't get overwhelmed by intense feelings or risk losing yourself in people.
Disadvantages: You risk seeming cold or detached. To protect yourself from feeling so much you may disconnect from your own emotions or another's. You offer solutions too quickly before someone fully expresses their feelings. You get exhausted from overthinking.
Emotional ‣ Empathize with others through your emotions. You have a big heart and are responsive to people's needs. You feel everything but sometimes to an extreme. You may be an emotional sponge whose body absorbs other's distress, as well as their joy. Since emotions can be contagious, you are vulnerable to catching them. You mirror other people's emotional states. You are emotionally present with people and they feel your caring.
Advantages: You are loving and compassionate. You're a good friend, partner, and coworker. You're passionate about helping others. You make people feel seen and heard.
Disadvantages: You are overwhelmed by too many emotions. You get tired from overgiving and people-pleasing. You have difficulty setting healthy boundaries. You neglect your own needs and worry excessively about others.
Intuitive ‣ Your keen intuition and sensitivity let you read people and their nonverbal cues more easily. Your intuition senses if someone is being authentic or if they aren't. You have strong gut feelings, aha insights, knowings, or dreams. You also feel positive and negative vibes that people emit. The energy that someone radiates communicates volumes about them.
Advantages: You have strong intuition and an open heart. You're attuned to the subtle vibes of people, places, and nature. You're able to read other's needs. You express empathy by sensing the energy of emotions.
Disadvantages: You may feel tired, anxious, or drained around people. You feel exposed or to open in the world. You are an energy sponge who absorbs other's stress or emotions. You tend to get overloaded by the number of intuitions you pick up and don't know how to turn them off.
Spiritual ‣ You empathize with others through your spirituality. Consider this style divining empathy which describes the process of connecting to spirituality however you define it to open your heart. For some, spirituality could be God, Goddess, nature, a creative intelligence, or the power of love. The divine is a stepping stone to your large compassionate self. You become a vessel for spirit as you give and receive empathy.
Advantages: You value empathy as a spiritual gift and sacred way of life. You are gratified by giving and being of service. You practice forgiveness and tolerance. You use prayer and meditation as ways to receive intuitive guidance for yourself, others, and for the highest good of all.
Disadvantages: You may become a martyr and take on other people's suffering. You are burdened by the world's weightiness, depression, and pain. Your identity is mainly linked to giving to others rather than receiving. You may view self-care as an indulgence, not as a necessity to replenish yourself.
──────────────────────────────────────
All styles can heal in their own ways and you'll discover how to make the most of your assets and experiences with different styles to broaden your horizon. People with narcissistic personality disorders or empathy deficient disorders will not have a style of empathy because they lack this quality.
It also covers people with narcissism. They often have most or all of the following traits. Even if someone only has one or a few, they likely have some narcissistic tendencies. Common traits of someone with narcissism:
‣ Needs admiration, compliments, and validation
‣ Is grandiose, manipulative, and entitled
‣ Lacks empathy
‣ Dominates and devalues others
‣ Throws emotional crumbs to keep others hooked in
‣ Gaslights and lies
‣ Sets off love bombs
‣ Punishes others with coldness, the silent treatment, and other forms of abandonment
──The types of narcissists are as follows:──
Grandiose - They like to boast and be the center of attention, feel self-important, and surround themselves with loyal people who only agree with them. They may be obsessed with looks, success, and wealth. Often they project the image of being wonderful to the world, but privately they mistreat and exploit their loved ones. Some exude a charisma that makes you feel intoxicated and off-center.
Vulnerable - The vulnerable type is more hidden, subtler, and trickier to recognize since they prefer to stay out of the spotlight. They may be withdrawn because of their insecurities, low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. Even though their vulnerabilities are real, they can also use them to manipulate others. Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, they may appear sweet, even shy, self-effacing, and caring, but later they use generosity to control you so that you feel you're indebted to them. You're gratitude and neediness feed them. They may also play the victim by appealing to your sympathy.
──────────────────────────────────────
There are various degrees of narcissistic personality disorder ranging from lacking empathy and being manipulative to the most abusive, aggressive, and sadistic versions of either the grandiose or vulnerable type.
A narcissist's lack of empathy makes it easy to mistreat people without remorse. They believe nothing is their fault. The author mentions that she's seen too many inexperienced therapists get played by narcissists and end up believing their side of the story demonizing their partners, associates, and family members.
People with narcissism play dirty. When you resist their manipulations, they might threaten to undermine your relationships or status in the community. Making your life miserable restores their sense of power over you. Since they have an empathy deficient disorder and lack of conscience, they aren't disturbed by hurting you. They feel justified in doing so, therefore they don't hesitate to badmouth you to your children, colleagues, or whoever will listen, or they will spread lies to get loved ones on their side.
The book is about harnessing the power of empathy and how to embrace it, and the healing grace of forgiveness and releasing resentments giving you a way out of suffering from past hurts. Forgiveness refers to forgiving the person, not the damaging act. What do you forgive? A person's shortcomings, limitations, or unhealed emotional injuries, whether they're aware of them or not that cause them to be insensitive or harm others. Empathizing with people's hidden struggles will help you release resentment as well as any unwanted attachment to the person and the trauma they caused so you are freer to move on.
It reminds us of the strength and beauty within our empathic hearts. I recommend it for anyone seeking to embrace their sensitivity.
July 24, 2024
82%
This is a really great book. It shows how targeted empathy and being open to receiving and being there for people can be an extremely valuable tool. And if you're a narcissistic personality person, hey, learn to use it. It's valuable. But I like that we went over this and said that it is important to be selective with your empathy as well. And don't give it out willy-nilly to everyone. Don't be there for everyone and be a complete giver. And be constantly giving and never receiving, because that is terrible for your health. So it felt really cathartic to me to be able to open up and realize, no, not everyone deserves empathy. And being able to talk with my own advisors about this and look at the situation, I asked myself, do I need to practice empathy at the beginning of this book? No, I don't. But listening to her and hearing her words, I agree with her so much on the value of empathy, especially it being a valuable medical tool as well.
This is a really great book. It shows how targeted empathy and being open to receiving and being there for people can be an extremely valuable tool. And if you're a narcissistic personality person, hey, learn to use it. It's valuable. But I like that we went over this and said that it is important to be selective with your empathy as well. And don't give it out willy-nilly to everyone. Don't be there for everyone and be a complete giver. And be constantly giving and never receiving, because that is terrible for your health. So it felt really cathartic to me to be able to open up and realize, no, not everyone deserves empathy. And being able to talk with my own advisors about this and look at the situation, I asked myself, do I need to practice empathy at the beginning of this book? No, I don't. But listening to her and hearing her words, I agree with her so much on the value of empathy, especially it being a valuable medical tool as well.
November 15, 2024
For being a “personal growth book” i actually enjoyed this one.
January 18, 2025
This book was gifted to me by someone who had not yet read it along with the explanation that I am a very empathetic person and this book seeks to show the genius of this quality.
I was very interested in several aspects of this book, like the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath. I also appreciated many reminders in this book, like to ask myself each day how I can be a little kinder to my own self.
I am not an avid consumer of emotional or spiritual self-help content, but definitely see how this book would be a fantastic resource to anyone looking to flex their empathy muscle a bit more.
I was very interested in several aspects of this book, like the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath. I also appreciated many reminders in this book, like to ask myself each day how I can be a little kinder to my own self.
I am not an avid consumer of emotional or spiritual self-help content, but definitely see how this book would be a fantastic resource to anyone looking to flex their empathy muscle a bit more.
May 21, 2024
Judith Orloff is a supremely talented individual who pulls from neuroscience, psychology, and energy medicine to offer profound insights and practical tools in her latest book, The Genius of Empathy. Dr. Orloff teaches powerful lessons that are invaluable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of empathy and its applications in daily life.
In this book, Dr. Orloff guides readers through:
Your Empathic Style: Tools for discovering and nurturing your unique sensitivities.
Self-Care for Empaths: Practices to soothe your nervous system and prevent empathy overwhelm.
Setting Healthy Boundaries: Techniques to regulate how you process the emotions of others.
Self-Empathy: Applying empathy to ourselves to find greater self-love and healing, including from trauma.
Protection from Toxic Individuals: Recognizing and shielding yourself from empathy-deficient persons such as narcissists, sociopaths, and bullies.
Empathic Listening and Leadership: Using empathy in any situation—at work, in your relationships, and in service to the world.
The book is packed with practical tips and real-world examples, making the concepts easily implementable in everyday life.
Who would benefit from reading this book? Healers, therapists, empaths, codependents, victims, and anyone interested in self-growth and healing. In fact, I recommend it to anyone and everyone. I've purchased copies for multiple friends and recommended it to my therapy clients because the information is so valuable. I genuinely think I highlighted 25% of the book!
Highly, highly recommend The Genius of Empathy. It's a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice that can transform how you understand and utilize empathy in your life.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing, for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In this book, Dr. Orloff guides readers through:
Your Empathic Style: Tools for discovering and nurturing your unique sensitivities.
Self-Care for Empaths: Practices to soothe your nervous system and prevent empathy overwhelm.
Setting Healthy Boundaries: Techniques to regulate how you process the emotions of others.
Self-Empathy: Applying empathy to ourselves to find greater self-love and healing, including from trauma.
Protection from Toxic Individuals: Recognizing and shielding yourself from empathy-deficient persons such as narcissists, sociopaths, and bullies.
Empathic Listening and Leadership: Using empathy in any situation—at work, in your relationships, and in service to the world.
The book is packed with practical tips and real-world examples, making the concepts easily implementable in everyday life.
Who would benefit from reading this book? Healers, therapists, empaths, codependents, victims, and anyone interested in self-growth and healing. In fact, I recommend it to anyone and everyone. I've purchased copies for multiple friends and recommended it to my therapy clients because the information is so valuable. I genuinely think I highlighted 25% of the book!
Highly, highly recommend The Genius of Empathy. It's a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice that can transform how you understand and utilize empathy in your life.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sounds True Publishing, for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2024
Pretty solid book that overviews the powers of empathy and envisions our innate ability to do so as the connecting life force of our humanity. Empathy is mortar to our communities, and the egalitarianism it inspires is what keeps humanity alive.
I think the one part I was dissonant to was the section on narcissism but that was mostly inspired by my recent reveling in Kristen Dombek’s “The Selfishness of Others”—an essay that challenged my perspective on what a narcissist is. I felt “The Genius of Empathy” kind of fell into the definition critiqued in “The Selfishness of Others” at times.
Nevertheless a good read if you’re looking for some empathic strategy and perspective!
I think the one part I was dissonant to was the section on narcissism but that was mostly inspired by my recent reveling in Kristen Dombek’s “The Selfishness of Others”—an essay that challenged my perspective on what a narcissist is. I felt “The Genius of Empathy” kind of fell into the definition critiqued in “The Selfishness of Others” at times.
Nevertheless a good read if you’re looking for some empathic strategy and perspective!
September 22, 2024
Great general concepts for being a better human being. Slow start, great end. A little too many “because of x when they were a kid, they do y as an adult. Great points on the benefits of empathy in leadership. Chief Empathy Officer may be a stretch though. However, empathy in the workplace is a must.
July 31, 2024
In my top 5 best books I read this year. Definitely best non-fiction. Life-view-altering passages, brilliant exercises to strengthen our ability to empathize with the self, our inner circle, our workplace, our community, and the world at large in times of peace, conflict, and everything in between. Judith Orloff MD has written this valuable guide in such a way that it is considerate of people from numerous belief systems - perhaps because she is so empathic? :p
I think the best window into why this book has skyrocketed into one I consider to be a "must-read" is this quote from the book:
"Empathy is the medicine the world needs. We are hungry for kindness, mercy, and greater humanity in our leaders. We're tired of tyrants. It's no news to anyone that human beings have a fearsome darkside. However, the message of this book is that we don't have to succumb to it. And if we do, for minutes, hours, or more, we can always adjust course to not let it rule is."
And this book is the guide to helping us learn how to effectively produce and apply the salve that will heal us as a whole.
I think the best window into why this book has skyrocketed into one I consider to be a "must-read" is this quote from the book:
"Empathy is the medicine the world needs. We are hungry for kindness, mercy, and greater humanity in our leaders. We're tired of tyrants. It's no news to anyone that human beings have a fearsome darkside. However, the message of this book is that we don't have to succumb to it. And if we do, for minutes, hours, or more, we can always adjust course to not let it rule is."
And this book is the guide to helping us learn how to effectively produce and apply the salve that will heal us as a whole.
August 2, 2024
Excellent book that shines a light on the spirit of our hearts. Very well written, both engaging as well as a call to action.
May 14, 2024
I thought this book was great motivational book of how to be a better leader and more empathic human.
I benefited from the section that talked about our inner morning dialogue. For example, “Ask yourslef, How are you? Are you happy? Overwhelmed by demands? Anxious about an upcoming meeting? What do you need to feel better?”
Additionally, this book made me look in the mirror and reflect upon what I dislike in others that I also dislike in myself. Loved the line, “Self-empathy starts with being willing to accept your less than-best qualities as well as your stellar ones”.
I benefited from the section that talked about our inner morning dialogue. For example, “Ask yourslef, How are you? Are you happy? Overwhelmed by demands? Anxious about an upcoming meeting? What do you need to feel better?”
Additionally, this book made me look in the mirror and reflect upon what I dislike in others that I also dislike in myself. Loved the line, “Self-empathy starts with being willing to accept your less than-best qualities as well as your stellar ones”.
June 23, 2024
I was overthrilled to receive this book. Although I have just skimmed through the pages, I can tell that this is going to be an entralling read to which the depths of which I am dying to explore. I am not an avid reader so I will read this at my own pace. Judith Orloff, MD, has gone out of her way to explore and teach methods of dealing w Empathy. Empathy is a rare gift. Treasure it's being. A must read .
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April 29, 2024Won in Giveaways
April 22, 2024
Dr. Judith Orloff's "The Genius of Empathy" offers actionable steps to release the need to always be right, shed shame about feeling different, and discard societal expectations. Through her insightful writing, I discover how to empathize without becoming overwhelmed, fostering understanding and warmth in my interactions. "The Genius of Empathy" is a profound resource for personal growth and compassionate living, deserving a place on everyone's bookshelves and shared with all.
April 22, 2024
I Reclaimed my power to embrace my authentic self without guilt or shame! Thank you, Dr. Judith Orloff, for providing actionable steps that helped me pave the way to releasing the need to always be right, to let go of shame about feeling different than others, and to discard the notion of who others told me to be. Practicing empathy has empowered me to cultivate genuine and loving relationships as I reclaimed my power to live an enriched and purposeful life.
April 22, 2024
The Genius of Empathy will teach you how to set healthy boundaries while still supporting a loved one who may be struggling. You’ll learn how to let go of the need to fix someone by practicing self-love and resisting the need to over help.
December 14, 2024
Orloff hit home with her data and research, insight and depth of experience. Practical and easy to digest, this is an excellent read for empathetic individuals who need to protect their space without losing access to their super power. Worth the investment to read
April 25, 2024
Really helpful chapter on narcissism!
May 27, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
In a world that often feels disconnected and fraught with tension, Dr. Judith Orloff’s “The Genius of Empathy” emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding readers towards a more compassionate and interconnected existence. This book is not merely a read; it’s an experience, a journey into the heart of empathy.
Dr. Orloff, with her profound expertise in psychiatry, energy medicine, and intuitive healing, presents a compelling case for empathy as a superpower. It’s a tool that, when wielded with skill and understanding, has the potential to transform personal anguish into healing, to fortify relationships, and to make impactful strides in the world.
The book is structured with a clear and purposeful progression. It begins by exploring the concept of empathy, not as a mere emotional response, but as a powerful form of emotional intelligence. Dr. Orloff delves into the neuroscience and psychology behind empathy, making a complex subject accessible and engaging.
As the chapters unfold, readers are equipped with practical tools to discover and nurture their unique empathic abilities. The guidance on self-care is particularly noteworthy, offering strategies to soothe the nervous system and prevent the overwhelm that often accompanies deep sensitivity.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Genius of Empathy” is its emphasis on setting healthy boundaries. Dr. Orloff acknowledges the challenges that empaths face in a world that can be harsh and overstimulating. She provides actionable advice on how to navigate these challenges without losing the essence of one’s empathic nature.
The book also addresses the darker side of human interactions, recognizing empathy-deficient individuals and providing strategies to protect oneself from their negative influence. This balance of light and shadow gives the book a grounded realism that is both refreshing and necessary.
In essence, “The Genius of Empathy” is a call to arms for all who wish to live with greater connection, safety, and empowerment. It’s a testament to the strength that lies in kindness and the courage that resides in compassion. Dr. Orloff’s work is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of empathy and harness its transformative power.
For those who are sensitive, for those who feel deeply, and for those who aspire to make a difference, “The Genius of Empathy” is a companion on the path to becoming one’s most authentic, fierce, and compassionate self.
In a world that often feels disconnected and fraught with tension, Dr. Judith Orloff’s “The Genius of Empathy” emerges as a beacon of hope, guiding readers towards a more compassionate and interconnected existence. This book is not merely a read; it’s an experience, a journey into the heart of empathy.
Dr. Orloff, with her profound expertise in psychiatry, energy medicine, and intuitive healing, presents a compelling case for empathy as a superpower. It’s a tool that, when wielded with skill and understanding, has the potential to transform personal anguish into healing, to fortify relationships, and to make impactful strides in the world.
The book is structured with a clear and purposeful progression. It begins by exploring the concept of empathy, not as a mere emotional response, but as a powerful form of emotional intelligence. Dr. Orloff delves into the neuroscience and psychology behind empathy, making a complex subject accessible and engaging.
As the chapters unfold, readers are equipped with practical tools to discover and nurture their unique empathic abilities. The guidance on self-care is particularly noteworthy, offering strategies to soothe the nervous system and prevent the overwhelm that often accompanies deep sensitivity.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Genius of Empathy” is its emphasis on setting healthy boundaries. Dr. Orloff acknowledges the challenges that empaths face in a world that can be harsh and overstimulating. She provides actionable advice on how to navigate these challenges without losing the essence of one’s empathic nature.
The book also addresses the darker side of human interactions, recognizing empathy-deficient individuals and providing strategies to protect oneself from their negative influence. This balance of light and shadow gives the book a grounded realism that is both refreshing and necessary.
In essence, “The Genius of Empathy” is a call to arms for all who wish to live with greater connection, safety, and empowerment. It’s a testament to the strength that lies in kindness and the courage that resides in compassion. Dr. Orloff’s work is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of empathy and harness its transformative power.
For those who are sensitive, for those who feel deeply, and for those who aspire to make a difference, “The Genius of Empathy” is a companion on the path to becoming one’s most authentic, fierce, and compassionate self.
March 20, 2024
The Genius of Empathy by Judith Orloff is an uplifting and inspiring book that provides practical approach on how to cultivate empathy and self-care and self-love in our day-to-day life.
She shares her experience from her field as a physician, her interaction with others and the power of empathy that single-handedly brings drastic change in one’s life. The book is segmented in three parts: yourself, family, and the outer world. However, the most underlying focus of the book is to equip you with the practice and powers of empathy first for yourself and then to use in your relationships. Rightly, as the author says that it is an important book for self-healing and relationships over other advantages.
The book guides readers on their own path towards self-healing, self-care and self-love by turning empaths, going way beyond than just a compassionate person. It brilliantly marks out difference between compassion and empathy. She posits that in order to achieve self-belief and self-healing via empathy we must learn to love and accept ourselves. Throughout the book Judith offers various tools, techniques, and exercises to help readers get into the virtue of empathy. From knowing yourself to relationships, her advice is both practical and accessible.
Overall, The Genius of Empathy is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and positivity in our lives that paves way for eternal empathy. Her writing is engaging and inspiring, and her message is one that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. If you are looking to cultivate a more emphatic mindset and unlock your own greatness, then this book is definitely worth your time and money.
She shares her experience from her field as a physician, her interaction with others and the power of empathy that single-handedly brings drastic change in one’s life. The book is segmented in three parts: yourself, family, and the outer world. However, the most underlying focus of the book is to equip you with the practice and powers of empathy first for yourself and then to use in your relationships. Rightly, as the author says that it is an important book for self-healing and relationships over other advantages.
The book guides readers on their own path towards self-healing, self-care and self-love by turning empaths, going way beyond than just a compassionate person. It brilliantly marks out difference between compassion and empathy. She posits that in order to achieve self-belief and self-healing via empathy we must learn to love and accept ourselves. Throughout the book Judith offers various tools, techniques, and exercises to help readers get into the virtue of empathy. From knowing yourself to relationships, her advice is both practical and accessible.
Overall, The Genius of Empathy is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-love and positivity in our lives that paves way for eternal empathy. Her writing is engaging and inspiring, and her message is one that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. If you are looking to cultivate a more emphatic mindset and unlock your own greatness, then this book is definitely worth your time and money.
March 3, 2025
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗶𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆
𝗕𝘆 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗳𝗳
🌟 𝗤𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗜 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱 🌟
"𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘴."
"𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦."
🌸 𝗠𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🌸
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝘁, 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗜 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱. 𝗜 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.
𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀. 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁.
𝗕𝘆 𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗿𝗹𝗼𝗳𝗳
🌟 𝗤𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗜 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗱 🌟
"𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘴."
"𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦."
🌸 𝗠𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🌸
𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝘁, 𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗽𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝗳𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗜 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗻𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸. 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱, 𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱. 𝗜 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀. 𝗜 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.
𝗜 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘄 𝗺𝘆 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗷𝗼𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗱𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀. 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁.
November 25, 2024
I had high hopes for The Genius of Empathy, especially after its early pages promised insight and practical tools to explore and improve empathy. As someone who struggles with empathy, I was looking forward to having my perspective expanded and my understanding deepened. While the book has some strong points, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.
One of the highlights for me was the concept that there are different types of empathy. This idea felt fresh and gave me a deeper appreciation for how empathy can manifest in different ways. Orloff also offers some genuinely insightful takeaways that I’ve noted down and plan to revisit.
However, I struggled to connect with parts of the book. It felt overly preachy at times, particularly with its frequent references to religion and spirituality. For someone who isn’t overtly religious, this aspect was a bit of a turn-off, and the inclusion of a prayer in the text felt like an unnecessary reach that didn’t quite land. While empathy and spirituality can overlap, the framing here may alienate some readers who are looking for a more universal approach.
Overall, The Genius of Empathy is a solid read, but it’s not the life-changing, revolutionary book that some reviews make it out to be. If Goodreads allowed half-star ratings, I’d probably give it a 3.5, but I chose to round down to balance out the overwhelming number of 5-star ratings. It’s worth reading for the solid insights it provides, but it’s not a game-changer.
One of the highlights for me was the concept that there are different types of empathy. This idea felt fresh and gave me a deeper appreciation for how empathy can manifest in different ways. Orloff also offers some genuinely insightful takeaways that I’ve noted down and plan to revisit.
However, I struggled to connect with parts of the book. It felt overly preachy at times, particularly with its frequent references to religion and spirituality. For someone who isn’t overtly religious, this aspect was a bit of a turn-off, and the inclusion of a prayer in the text felt like an unnecessary reach that didn’t quite land. While empathy and spirituality can overlap, the framing here may alienate some readers who are looking for a more universal approach.
Overall, The Genius of Empathy is a solid read, but it’s not the life-changing, revolutionary book that some reviews make it out to be. If Goodreads allowed half-star ratings, I’d probably give it a 3.5, but I chose to round down to balance out the overwhelming number of 5-star ratings. It’s worth reading for the solid insights it provides, but it’s not a game-changer.
February 7, 2025
Wow. The whole book is chicken soup for the empath soul. I have struggled for years wrestling between gratitude for having what I know is the gift of empathy but also managing the emotional and physical symptoms of being an empath. Truth be told, I didn’t realize how significant being an empath had been affecting my body until I dug into this book. Page after page broke down the puzzle of empathy into bite size pieces and offered useful practical advice on how to use and harness and, honestly, control how to be an empath in relationships - even at work.
Dr. Orloff offers such relatable “empathy” (ironically!) for people like me who hopelessly feel stuck in a cycle of over thinking, over feeling and over doing which comes at the cost of depletion and exhaustion and frustration. My primary emotion was relief at learning to understand both the art and science of empathy and grateful for actual tools to lessen the noise and energy around me, which so often renders me unable to cut through the clutter to figure out what helps someone else and (imagine!) my own self at the same time.
Another huge benefit was helping me better understand those who are not empaths - and help me heal from some past hurts in relationships and release the judgment I have been holding on to. What freedom. If you are an empath, this is life-changing stuff for every relationship - I highly recommend.
Dr. Orloff offers such relatable “empathy” (ironically!) for people like me who hopelessly feel stuck in a cycle of over thinking, over feeling and over doing which comes at the cost of depletion and exhaustion and frustration. My primary emotion was relief at learning to understand both the art and science of empathy and grateful for actual tools to lessen the noise and energy around me, which so often renders me unable to cut through the clutter to figure out what helps someone else and (imagine!) my own self at the same time.
Another huge benefit was helping me better understand those who are not empaths - and help me heal from some past hurts in relationships and release the judgment I have been holding on to. What freedom. If you are an empath, this is life-changing stuff for every relationship - I highly recommend.
December 1, 2025
I turned to this book in search of more empathy within myself. I got my answer fairly quickly: "A secret to tapping empathy’s power is to use the wisdom of both your heart and your mind to manifest greater healing."
There is a lot of good info here. She offers affirmations and other tools to help the reader on the journey to more empathy. Love this: "If you are ever confused about what to do in life, the answer is always, “Come from your heart. "
The challenge is real life - when difficult situations happen, will I remember these tools? I took some notes from this book, and I think the key is to pick something that would work for you and practice using it. I like this one for example: "Inwardly practice saying Namaste with people who annoy you or whom you don't like. This brings more positivity to an interaction rather than fueling what’s negative."
There is a lot of good info here. She offers affirmations and other tools to help the reader on the journey to more empathy. Love this: "If you are ever confused about what to do in life, the answer is always, “Come from your heart. "
The challenge is real life - when difficult situations happen, will I remember these tools? I took some notes from this book, and I think the key is to pick something that would work for you and practice using it. I like this one for example: "Inwardly practice saying Namaste with people who annoy you or whom you don't like. This brings more positivity to an interaction rather than fueling what’s negative."
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