Write it out
How writing helps us empathize
Writing is for everyone. Not because everyone will write a book or become a journalist, but because writing helps us articulate what we think. It provides clarity and perspective as we hold our thoughts at arms length.
Writing is especially helpful for truly empathizing with someone who believes differently than us. There’s something powerful about committing to paper what the other person believes — writing in their voice, with their tone. It forces us to truly see from their perspective and shortcuts our tendency to criticize or inject subtle jabs about their beliefs.
If you’re stuck or frustrated trying to empathize with someone, try this written exercise.
- Write five sentences from the perspective of the specific person you’re trying to empathize with. Articulate their beliefs in the first person — in their voice and tone.
- Write five sentences describing your assumptions and beliefs about this person and your relationship with them.
- Identify (in writing) the differences and similarities between 1 and 2. Where do you agree? What do you notice after writing from their perspective? How does empathy change your perspective?
“I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” — Flannery O’Connor
