Does This Mean I'm Empathetic?

In chapter seven of Daniel H. Pink's radical work A Whole New Mind, I read about the sought after trait of empathy in workers of tomorrow. Pink seemed to stress a single idea-an ounce of empathy brings much to oneself and the people with whom one surrounds himself.

In fact, one of Pink's quotes was, " Empathy is mighty important." (Chapter 7, pg 160, para. 2)

The act of empathy can even help us decipher a person's facial expression into the emotion they are then feeling. Knowing how a person feels is the first step to getting inside their head. To determine how best to help them.

For instance-as Pink describes-a doctor can feel a patient's worry and fear at the symptoms they are suffering. By realizing that a patient is truly afraid about the strangeness going on about their body, they can take a few further steps to help them. Take a level beyond the norm. A doctor could help save a life.

I was curious about this chapter. I began to really evaluate just how well I empathized with others. Pink's research informed me that, yes, females do tend to empathize better than males. (Shh. I knew that already.)

Daniel Pink published a url address that was the link to a quiz to read a person's emotions through only their eyes.

For example:

I received a score of 29. This fell into the usual range (22-30) for test takers. Anything above a 30 was considered a very accurate reading. So, I did fairly well.

Daniel Pink's chapter left me with the hope that I can apply these extra senses to my future. To develop them in the following years to help further and increase my success.

P.S. The link to this quiz is www.tinyurl.com/ckrj3 

Sophomore Year is Through

Summer is here, summer is here! Sorry. I couldn't contain my excitement.

My year has been like my greatest fear- a roller coaster. Full of ups and downs, twists and turns.

I've made a friend this year who is invaluable to me. Other friendships have become stronger than even Gorilla Tape and SuperGlue.

I've found confidence this year I hadn't had before. I've realized I am more than I thought I was. Better. Stronger.

This year has been a learning experience. More than the knowled I've gained inside this learning facility, I've learned the contents of my own heart.

I am more than ecstatic the year is over, but it has been invaluable to how invincible I feel now.

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is both a heartwarming and heart breaking tale in one turn.

George's barely hidden love and compassion for the dopey Lennie tugs even the coldest person's heartstrings. Though gruff at first glance, George always appeases Lennie's wishes. Whether for a repeat of the story he knows by heart, or to get a puppy, or a rabbit, George always satisfies.

Lennie's apitude for trouble is heart wrenching. Though good hearted, Lennie's size and IQ often lead him to misdeeds. A big man, Lennie finds it hard to be gentle.

Though Lennie is a nuisance, George takes him under his wing every time.

I highly recommend this novel. By far, this is in my top 3 favorite books I have ever read.

House on Mango Street

Sandra Cisnero's The House on Mango Street is about a house made out of mangos.

Once again, I have have tricked you.

The House on Mango Street creates a jig saw puzzle view into the life of the Hispanic girl Experanza.

Each mini-chapter, or vignette, gives a glimpse into the multi-faceted life of this young girl whose race creates a struggle for acceptance and respect.

Some looks are happy and precious others are grim and haunting.

I did not enjoy The House on Mango Street as it did not have a specific or directional plot. There wasn't a true story to follow. However, it gives a realistic view into present-day racism. Good for light research.

The Giver

Lois Lowry's The Giver was inspired by Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park.

Okay. Now that I've got you hooked. I was maybe-okay completely-lying about the above statement.

While The Giver does not include adrenaline pumping duels with dinosaurs, it is still a great novel. I highly recommend it.

The premise of Lowry's work is the following of a boy who stands out in his utopia of 'Sameness.' This is a boy who receive the memories of what was a happy, loving, often tragic and depressing world before the utopia was created.

Now a regulated machine, the world Jonas knew did not know love. His work with the Giver gave him a gift more special than anything he had ever received before.

So Much Depends....

So much depends on a little blue box.
Not the kind with a shiny gem inside.
But one on the computer screen
With words meant for me.
Turning a frown
To a smile and a
Real light to shine.

Animal Farm

Four legs, good. Two legs, bad.

I have read a book so expertly alluded to a taboo subject. George Orwell's Animal Farm is a blatant outcry of communism in Russia.

The character Boxer the Horse touches one's heart as much as any human character.

The story gives you a great insight to a historical event without the boredom glued to history class. The animals bring a livlihood to the book.

If you delve into the story of Animal Farm, you can find a Leo trotsky, a Vladmir Lenin, a Joseph Stalin.

I recommend the book with highest regards with a, "Job well done" to George Orwell.