This Book Will Make You Kinder: An Empathy Handbook - Henry James Garrett

wow, oh wow. This should be required reading for everyone. I kept putting it off because when I glanced through it, it felt heavy and academic. Boy was I wrong. I mean, yes, it is smart, and based on facts and research and is academic. But the writing is so good and easy to read and digest - even if the subject matter can be tough to digest and apply to real life. 

I was introduced to Henry James Garrett via his instagram - Henryjgarrett. He is an screenwriter, illustrator, and now an author of a fantastic book. The book is filled with smart illustrations that help break up the text, and give the reader a pause to help digest what they read. So smart. Garrett breaks down the concept of empathy, what it is, how it came about, and how to adjust to mistakes that can turn empathy off. Having empathy is at the core of being kind to others. There is a lot to this book, more than I can really write about here. Suffice it to say, the fact that a white, cis-gendered man (who I believe is straight) has written this and understands his privilege and works to fight his privilege... Well, he is doing the work that he is writing about, and hoping that we all do as well. He is very aware of who and what he is within the confines of society, and how he may be looked at, and does not take that for granted. It was a really great read, and a book I will recommend to anyone and everyone. In my current position in life, I would certainly recommend it to anyone in a management position. Take a look at his online shop to get an idea of his art, and his mind.