The Science of Compassion
Sounds True, Kelly McGonigal
5 mins
3 key insights
Visual, audio & text
The Science of Compassion shows how science can help us to develop compassion, demonstrating why it's important for ourselves, our relationships, and our society as a whole.


The Science of Compassion

The Science of Compassion
by Sounds True
Overview
As children and perhaps into adulthood, we're all reminded that we should treat others the way that we ourselves would like to be treated. But although we all know compassion to be a sign of kindness and therefore a desirable trait, few of us realize the wider benefits that come from it. Kelly McGonigal is a health psychologist and lecturer at Stanford University, specializing in the study of how psychology and neuroscience can improve our overall well-being, also known as 'science help'. In The Science of Compassion, McGonigal provides us with an introduction to compassion and how scientific findings have shown empathy to be hugely beneficial to us on various different levels. At the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, or CCARE, a group of Stanford-based scientists, physicians, and psychologists have studied empathy and here help to provide valuable insights that can help communities become more compassionate.
Favorite quote

Compassion begins when we become aware of suffering. As compassion unfolds, we have a sense of sharing in that suffering.
- Kelly McGonigal

Download the uptime app to
Read or listen, with different modes
Adjust audio speed in the app
Bookmark to save titles for later
Share your favourite Hacks