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Author: lsatullo

How empathy shapes outcomes of diplomatic negotiations

Why do some peace summits succeed while other fails? In this work of Marcus Holmes and Keren Yahri-Milo, the authors highlight the importance of empathy between leaders. In fact, they first demonstrate that numerous findings suggest that empathy—the ability to understand the cognitive and affective states of others without necessarily sympathizing with them—is required for overcoming long-standing hostilities.

In this regard, they significantly report the words of the UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold: “you can only hope to find a lasting solution to a conflict if you have learned to see the other objectively, but, at the same time, to experience his difficulties subjectively”.

Hence, demonstrating empathy to your adversary is not a signal of weakness or vulnerability but a demonstration that you are negotiating in good-faith.

You can read more about this issue here

 

Image source: Yuriy Somov – Wikimedia Commons

A young poet tells the story of Darfur

Emtithal was 10 when she learned what the word “genocide” meant. She lived in Darfur and she didn’t understand why they were burying so many people.

She started writing poems to convince people to hear and see what was happening.

Emtithal “Emi” Mahmoud continues writing poetry to witness and to make people more sensitized to the humanity who stands behind such tragedies.

In this TED, Emi shares two wonderful poems with the public.

 

 

9 good reasons to smile more

Smiling is not just a reaction to something funny. It is something that has positive effects on our mood and on everybody around us, no matter if it is forced or not.

In her article, Alyssa Detweiler lists nine positive effects of smiling which will make you want to smile more:

  1. Smiling is contagious
  2. Smiling lower stress and anxiety
  3. Smiling releases endorphins
  4. You will be more attractive
  5. Smiling strengthens your immune system
  6. You will be more approachable
  7. Smiling will make you more comfortable
  8. You will seem more trustworthy
  9. You will be a bettere leader

Read the full article here

Image source: pxhere (CC0)