The Role of Empathy as a Path to Intimacy
Ben Lazare Mijušković
Paedagogia Christiana December 28, 2020 DOI: 10.12775/pch.2020.016 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 2 |
| Key points | Argues that the fear of absolute loneliness is a universal human drive and that intimacy, its opposite, is achieved through empathy grounded in mutual trust, respect, shared values, and mutual sharing of feelings and affection. Contends that intimacy and empathy, unlike sympathy and pity, must be mutual, whether between two people or between a person and the Lord through prayer. |
Abstract
The fear of absolute loneliness is the universal drive in all human beings. The opposite of loneliness is intimacy. Both are intense modes of human consciousness. Intimacy is secured through empathy, which is based on a mutual relationship of shared trust, respect and values, as well as a mutual sharing of feelings, meanings and affection. The dynamics of both intimacy and empathy – unlike sympathy and pity – must be mutual; whether it is expressed between two human beings, or between a person and the Lord through the power of prayer.