The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World

Zaki provides numerous examples of people becoming more empathetic, yet notes “this book will not provide ten simple steps for how to be kinder today” (16). Does this lack of an action plan weaken Zaki’s argument? Why or why not? How would Zaki respond to your claim?

Philosopher Jeremy Rifkin writes, “The most important question facing humanity is this: Can we reach global empathy in time to avoid the collapse of civilization and save the Earth” (10)? How would you answer Rifkin’s question? Would Zaki agree with your assertion? Why or why not?

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the US has seen a decline in the number of hate groups over the last several years. However, they did not find an accompanying decline in extremism or hate. What do you consider the country’s best option for addressing hate groups and hate? Would you recommend incorporating any of Zaki’s strategies? Why or why not?

Zaki strongly believes that the arts are key to building a kinder world. What evidence does he provide to support this assertion? Given the declining value that many place on an arts education, how would you go about convincing people to invest in the arts as a way to restore empathy?

Do you think self-care is the answer to professional exhaustion, detachment, and burnout? How would Zaki respond to your argument?

Which of the obstacles to empathy described in The War for Kindness are most concerning or dangerous in your opinion. Why?

Why does Zaki refute that technology is the greatest threat to empathy? What are his empirical claims for this opinion?

Which of the strategies for building empathy would you like to try incorporating into your daily routine? Do you think these strategies could succeed at a global scale? Why or why not?