Empathy may be key to reducing violence
Empathy may be key to reducing violence
Research that was conducted at the University of Valencia reveals that the same parts of the brain that control empathy may also regulate violent feelings.
Results of the study suggest that focusing on empathetic feelings could inhibit violence in the individual, which is a positive side effect for all mankind.
The authors’ finding were published in the journal Revista de Neurologia. They show that the prefrontal and temporal cortex, the amygdala and other structures in the limbic system play a necessary role in empathetic behaviors and emotions.
“We all know that encouraging empathy has an inhibiting effect on violence, but this may not only be a social question but also a biological one—stimulation of these neuronal circuits in one direction reduces their activity in the other,” said Luis Moya Albiol, the study’s lead author.
Results of the study suggest that brain education techniques may help individuals reduce any tendencies toward violence by focusing on empathetic feelings during meditation and exercise. Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee believes in personal change through brain education, and has authored many books on the subject.
Heightened empathy combined with a reduction—or elimination—of violence may foster a peaceful planet in which individuals see themselves as citizens of the Earth rather than a region or nation.
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Tags: meditation, personal change
