Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion towards Weaker Sections

Empathy

Aspects

Description

Definition & Example

Empathy is the ability to understand another person's feelings, perspectives, and circumstances by putting oneself in their place. It is not merely pity or regret, but 'sensitivity' and 'internal experience.'

Example: An official quickly resolving a poor woman's grievance by feeling her pain.

UPSC Perspective

In UPSC GS-IV, 'Empathy' is considered an essential attribute for civil servants.

Question: "Why is empathy considered an extremely important quality for a civil servant in resolving the grievances of marginalized communities?"

Note: This evaluates the officer's decision-making.

Comparison

Empathy vs. Sympathy: In sympathy, you express pity or regret for another's sorrow (e.g., ....