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HOW | MENTAL GROWTH

Empathy & Justice

Empathy plays a vital role in fostering interpersonal skills and a truly compassionate world where global justice prevails. True empathy goes beyond understanding other people's feelings - it includes showing care and respect for all living beings in action, from fellow humans to the smallest of creatures.

 

By nurturing empathy in children for all forms of life, we promote a mindset that values the interconnectedness of our planet's ecosystems, which is essential for long-term global sustainability.

When discussing personal growth, self-actualisation is often a focus. While this can involve pursuing individual passions and joys, it’s important to remember that it shouldn’t come at the expense of others and the environment. Empathy encourages us to consider how our actions affect both people and the planet, helping to guide personal growth in a way that benefits not only the individual itself but also the world at large.

I feel you

By Madeleine Enarsson © 2025

Image by NASA

HOW | EMPATHY

Empathy for 11 billion people

Having empathy for all, in this context, means ensuring efforts are globally sustainable for everyone on the planet and long-term.

 

By 2100, the children born today are expected to share the planet with 10-11 billion fellow human beings. They will then be around 75 years old, which makes 2100 not seem like a too distant future. If you have a child or a baby being born now, that future is already here.

Empathy for all animals

If your child sees a fly on the window, what do you do?

a) You give it a fair whack with the fly swatter.

b) You make it your mission to get it out without a scratch.

 

Having empathy for animals, including even the smallest creatures like insects, can help children develop a deeper connection to the natural world and willingness to care about it. By understanding all animals' importance in the ecosystem and seeing the astonishing beauty of small beings like a dragonfly or beetle up close, children can learn to value and respect all forms of life.

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Small little one

By Madeleine Enarsson © 2025

Small little one

By Madeleine Enarsson © 2024

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@ChatGPT: How big proportion of toys encourage passive consumption rather than active participation?

ChatGPT:  While it's hard to quantify an exact percentage, research suggests that the toy market is dominated by passive consumption toys, especially those tied to media franchises or pre-programmed electronics.

@ChatGPT: What's the problem with that?

ChatGPT:  Some key concerns are reduced creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It can also encourage a more sedentary lifestyle and over-consumption.

@ChatGPT: How can it affect children's perception of themselves and their self-esteem?

ChatGPT:  It can have a significant impact on their self-perception and self-esteem, for example by creating feelings of powerlessness or insecurity from comparison with peers. They may also see their value in terms of what they acquire rather than what they contribute. For optimal development, children benefit more from toys that for example promote active engagement, hands-on learning, imagination and problem-solving.

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