Empathy

The identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.

I think the only way we can really empathize with another is when we have had similar experiences previously.

Watched two movies last week, Blood Diamond and Babel. Both were good, but I preferred Blood Diamond more, simply because Leo was outstanding. Without going into too much of the plot of both movies, each had something that I totally identified with. The anguish of receiving an overseas phone call from a loved one that unfortunately relayed bad news and totally not being able to do anything to alleviate his suffering. The horror of being in a terrible situation that desperately requires medical attention, but not having access to it because of red tape and the general inadequacies of that foreign country's medical system.

I never would have understood it if I watched these movies 2 months ago. But I do now.