Practice Empathy
​Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings and experiences of another person. Engage with us to know more about what we do.
The Little Boy and the Starfish
One morning, after a big storm, thousands of starfish were washed ashore on a beach. A young boy walked along the beach, gently picking up starfish and throwing them back into the ocean, one by one.
An old man, watching the boy, approached him and said, “Why are you doing this? There are thousands of starfish here—you can’t save them all. What difference does it make?”
The boy picked up another starfish, looked at the man, and said, “It makes a difference to this one.” Then he gently threw it back into the sea.
The man was moved by the boy’s words and actions. Inspired, he began helping the boy, and soon, other people on the beach joined them.
MORAL OF THE STORY
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Empathy starts with small actions: Even if you can’t change the world, your kindness can make a difference to someone.
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The Elephant and the Tailor
Once upon a time, in a bustling village, there lived a kind elephant who would often walk through the marketplace with its mahout (caretaker). The elephant was gentle and well-loved by the villagers. One of its favorite activities was stopping by a tailor’s shop. The tailor, a cheerful man, always gave the elephant a banana as a treat. The elephant would trumpet happily and bless the tailor with its trunk.
One day, the tailor was in a bad mood due to an argument with a customer. When the elephant stopped by as usual, instead of giving it a banana, the tailor pricked the elephant’s trunk with a needle in frustration. The elephant winced in pain and walked away quietly.
The next day, the elephant returned to the marketplace. When it passed by the tailor’s shop, it noticed a water trough nearby. The elephant filled its trunk with water, went up to the tailor, and sprayed him from head to toe.
The villagers burst out laughing, and the tailor, drenched and humiliated, realized his mistake. He apologized to the elephant and gave it bananas to mend their bond. The elephant forgave him, and their friendship was restored.
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MORAL OF THE STORY
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Empathy is a two-way street: Just as the elephant displayed empathy for the tailor’s kindness, it also showed that actions born of frustration can hurt others.
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Be kind, even in anger: One moment of anger or lack of empathy can break a bond built on years of kindness.
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The Lion and the Mouse
One day, a mighty lion was resting in the forest after a successful hunt. A tiny mouse, running in haste, accidentally bumped into the lion. Startled, the lion caught the mouse with its paw. The mouse trembled with fear and pleaded, “Please let me go, O King of the Jungle. If you spare my life, I’ll help you someday.”
The lion laughed at the idea of a tiny mouse helping him but felt pity for the small creature. “Go,” the lion said, “and don’t trouble me again.”
A few days later, the lion was caught in a hunter’s net. It roared and struggled, but the net was strong. Hearing the lion’s cries, the mouse came running. “Don’t worry, my friend,” the mouse said. It quickly began gnawing at the ropes with its sharp teeth. Soon, the net was torn apart, and the lion was free.
The lion looked at the mouse with gratitude and said, “Thank you, little one. I now understand that even the smallest creatures deserve kindness.”
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MORAL OF THE STORY
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Empathy transcends size or power: Even the smallest acts of compassion can make a big difference.
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Kindness is repaid: The lion’s empathy toward the mouse was returned when he needed help the most.
The Orphan and the Bread
In a small village, a bakery was famous for its delicious bread. Every day, an orphan boy would stand outside the bakery, looking longingly at the loaves but unable to afford even a single piece. The baker noticed the boy but never said anything.
One day, an elderly woman entered the bakery and bought two loaves of bread. She handed one to the boy and said, “Eat this, my child. You must be hungry.” The boy’s face lit up with joy, and he thanked the woman.
The baker, seeing this, was moved. From that day forward, he decided to leave one loaf of bread outside the shop every morning for the boy. The boy grew up and eventually became a successful man. Years later, he returned to the bakery to thank the baker and repay his kindness.
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MORAL OF THE STORY
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Small acts of kindness can change lives: A simple gesture of empathy can leave a lasting impact.
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Kindness spreads: Compassion inspires others to carry forward the chain of goodness.
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