How to Build Ruthless Empathy Without Getting Soft | Stanford Psychologist Jamil Zaki (Fan Fav)

In this episode of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu interviews Jamil Zaki, a psychology professor at Stanford and author of "The War for Kindness," about the evolutionary basis and malleability of kindness and empathy. They discuss how modern life creates barriers to human connection through political polarization, technology, and stress, and how empathy is crucial for collaboration and success. Zaki explains the different facets of empathy—emotional, cognitive, and compassion—and distinguishes it from sympathy. He shares personal experiences that led him to focus on empathy and explores ways to cultivate it, including meditation practices and storytelling. The conversation touches on overcoming tribalism and using empathy to bridge divides, referencing examples like the Rwandan genocide and the transformation of a white supremacist through compassionate contact.