Empathy: Turning Compassion into Action

by David Johnston, Rosalie Abella (Foreword)

The 28th Governor General's most personal and timely book to a passionate and practical guide for turning empathy into action.As the world stumbles through the most severe pandemic of the last century, threatened by teetering economies, torn by political division, separated by unequal access to resources, and wrestling with issues as diverse as racism, gender, cybercrime, and climate change, the nations that best adapt and prosper are those in which empathy is fully alive and widely active. Written for a post-pandemic world, Empathy is a book about learning to be empathetic and then turning that empathy into action. Based on the personal experiences of author David Johnston, the book explores how awakening to the transformative power of listening and caring permanently changes individuals, families, communities, and nations. A how-to manual for a world craving kindness, Empathy offers proof of the inherent goodness of people, and shows how exercising the instinct for kindness creates societies that are both smart and caring. Through poignant stories and crisp observations, David contends that “Everyone has power over some things that other people don’t. When they learn ways to turn that power into action, they change the future dramatically.”   With clear and practical focus, Empathy looks at a host of issues that demand our attention, from education and immigration, to healthcare, the law, policing, business ethics, and criminal justice. In each of these areas, Johnston highlights the deeper understandings that have arisen during the COVID-19 crisis, with sharp emphasis on the positive and negative lessons now in crisp focus. Convinced that empathy is the fastest route to peace and progress in all their forms, David ends each short chapter with a set of practical steps the reader can take to make the world better, one deliberate action at a time.  

Genres: Nonfiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2023

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently attended a virtual conference where David Johnston provided the keynote speech. I was deeply moved by his smart and empathetic approach. It inspired me to pick up his book, and it didn't disappoint. A practical guide to empathy is not something I knew was possible, but David Johnston wrote it and it's very good. I really enjoyed how he broke up the book into themes, and concluded each theme with practical steps for how individuals, communities, governments and nations can act more decisively and empathetically. I think this is something we should all strive to do.

[Alysha Voigt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate what David Johnston is trying to do here. A book intended to spread compassion and empathy will get an extra star from me, but that still only brings this one up to a four. I think this book would have been more impactful if it was shorter—apart from the many included passages (such as the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms) and a few duplicated facts/stories/tips, it often felt like a vessel to humble-brag about the accomplishments of his family members. I think he went too deep when giving context about the people mentioned in his examples (to the point that I was glazing over) while not going deep enough on his proposed solutions/tips (making them feel over-simplified). As much as I want to foster empathy, I don’t feel like this book was written in the most accessible/digestible way for it to appeal to a wide enough audience.

[Sarangen Sathasivam · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this book O star if it was available. It’s a book that’s really make believe that tries to build off his image in the public sector. I would spend your time on something else.

[milica · Rating 3 out of 5]

pop politics for ppl who dont read :/

[Amalia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this book is ideal for current global issues we are facing as a society, it allows the reader to take a step back and envision the impact of simple actions that contribute to the wider solution. With the consistent motif of empathy, Johnston mixes prominent prominent political and social issues with personal experiences which I found incredibly interesting to learn from. Although some sections focused too much on his specific journey within Canada’s political system, my knowledge and morality where often challenged which I found rewarding. Nevertheless, I appreciated
the unbiased representation of Canada’s historical contribution to various legislative and ethical decisions, highlighting the individual and collective actions we should all consider in the basis of trust, empathy and education. Ideally, I consider that one must think critically beyond Canada’s role and Johnston’s contribution, and apply the tools and questions to their own topic of interest within their countries and identities.

[Rob Dekker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this in August, but had to pause shortly after as I was not able to read this with a clear head. Coming back to “Empathy” last week my head was clear and open for what would come out from the pages.

Former GG Johnston writes eloquently about his experiences as GG and it’s these pages that I found the inspiration to act as best I can to effect some change.

I found specific openness to the chapters regarding the environment and (Chapter 10), the Rule of Law (Chapter 11) and Canada’s Indigenous (Chapter 14).

I am thankful for the pause as if I had muddled through with a closed mind.

[Mengxi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more like the mixture of one’s personal bibliography, and Canadian hot societal issues. A lot of of great points are introduced on surface level.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

Umm, wow. Yeah, not what I was really expecting. This is not the book on empathy you're looking for unless you're like some combination of rich, white, and on a board of directors somewhere.

[Phil Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Positive message but delivered in a preachy manner. The book lacked flow & substantial story telling. The message is something I can get behind but I don’t recommend reading this one.

[L.C. Tang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is organized into 3 categories with 5 chapters in each section: things we can do as individuals, as communities, and as nations. This publication is written by Canada's governor general. Interesting read about how the world is craving kindness and how to demonstrate empathy by looking at several issues, such as education and immigration to healthcare, the law, policing, business ethics, and criminal justice.

In each of these issues, Johnston highlights the deeper understandings that have been affected during the global pandemic. At the end of each short chapter, it ends with a set of practical steps the reader can take to make the world better, one deliberate action at a time.