Beneath the negative headlines, our true nature shines in everyday kindness and disaster response. Our natural empathy connects us—and with practice, we can strengthen this fundamental human quality.
The story
I believe people are fundamentally good. When disaster strikes, we don’t run away—we run toward those who need help. The news might focus on the worst of humanity, but everyday kindness is actually our default.
Think about it: holding doors open, giving directions to strangers, or checking on a neighbor during tough times. These small acts aren’t extraordinary—they’re simply expressions of our natural empathy.
My favorite example is how communities rally after natural disasters. People donate time, money, and even risk their lives to help perfect strangers. No one has to force this behavior—it flows naturally from our shared humanity.
In his book “A Practical EmPath: Rewire Your Mind,” Scott Howard Swain explores this innate capacity for connection. Drawing on wisdom from Buddhism, Stoicism, and modern communication techniques, he offers practical ways to strengthen our empathy muscles daily.
Rather than grand gestures, Swain shows how small shifts in perception and communication can transform our relationships and communities. By recognizing our inherent goodness and nurturing it intentionally, we create a more compassionate world—one interaction at a time.
