By Jamil Zaki
“In this masterpiece, Jamil Zaki weaves together the very latest science with stories that will stay in your heart forever.”—Angela Duckworth, author of Grit

Don’t miss Jamil Zaki’s TED Talk, “We’re experiencing an empathy shortage, but we can fix it together,” online now. Empathy is in short supply. We struggle to understand people who aren’t like us, but find it easy to hate them. Studies show that we are less caring than we were even thirty years ago. In 2006, Barack Obama said that the United States was suffering from an “empathy deficit.” Since then, things seem to have only gotten worse. It doesn’t have to be this way.

In this groundbreaking book, Jamil Zaki shares cutting-edge research, including experiments from his own lab, showing that empathy is not a fixed trait—something we’re born with or not—but rather a skill that can be strengthened through effort. He also tells the stories of people who embody this new perspective, fighting for kindness in the most difficult of circumstances. We meet a former neo-Nazi who is now helping to extract people from hate groups, ex-prisoners discussing novels with the judge who sentenced them, Washington police officers changing their culture to decrease violence among their ranks, and NICU nurses fine-tuning their empathy so that they don’t succumb to burnout.

Written with clarity and passion, The War for Kindness is an inspiring call to action. The future may depend on whether we accept the challenge.

Product Details

• Publisher: Crown; Illustrated edition (June 4, 2019)
• Language: English
• eBook Digital: 272 pages
• ISBN-10: 0451499247
• ISBN-13: 978-0451499240
• Lexile measure: 1020L

Empathy is a fundamental human trait that allows us to connect with others, understand their emotions, and share their experiences. It is the cornerstone of compassion, kindness, and cooperation. And yet, in today’s world, empathy seems to be in short supply. We struggle to understand people who are different from us, and instead, we find it easier to hate them.

In his book, “The War for Kindness,” acclaimed psychologist Jamil Zaki delves into the science of empathy to reveal that it is not a fixed trait, but rather a skill that can be nurtured and strengthened. Through extensive research and compelling anecdotes, Zaki demonstrates that empathy is not solely determined by our genes or upbringing, but is something that can be cultivated through intentional effort.

Zaki begins by exploring the empathy deficit that society currently faces. He presents studies that show a decline in empathy over the past few decades and highlights the consequences of this deficit, both on an individual and societal level. He also references former President Barack Obama’s statement about the United States’ empathy deficit and argues that things have only gotten worse since then.

However, Zaki’s book is not all doom and gloom. He offers hope and optimism by sharing inspiring stories of individuals who have embraced empathy and fought for kindness in the most challenging circumstances. From a former neo-Nazi who now helps others escape hate groups to Washington police officers working to decrease violence among their ranks, these stories demonstrate the transformative power of empathy.

Through his research, Zaki shows that empathy is a malleable skill that can be developed through deliberate practice and effort. He provides practical strategies and exercises for nurturing empathy in ourselves and others. Zaki also emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of empathy in institutions, such as schools and workplaces, to foster kindness and cooperation.

What sets “The War for Kindness” apart is Zaki’s ability to blend scientific research with compelling storytelling. He combines findings from his own lab experiments with real-life examples, literature, and entertainment to make a compelling case for the importance of empathy and the need to cultivate it.

Readers will be inspired by Zaki’s engaging narrative and thought-provoking insights. They will come away with a renewed understanding of empathy and its potential to transform individuals, relationships, organizations, and cultures. The book also acts as a call to action, challenging readers to embrace empathy and fight for kindness in their own lives and communities.

In conclusion, “The War for Kindness” by Jamil Zaki is a timely and groundbreaking book that explores the science of empathy and its transformative power. It offers hope in a world that often feels divided and provides practical strategies for nurturing empathy in ourselves and others. By reading this book, we can embark on a journey towards a more empathetic and kinder world. So why wait? Order your copy today and join the war for kindness.