This century may well be called the Age of Introspection. People spend thousands on unpacking their past in therapy, and making goals for personal happiness.

One author, Roman Krznaric, who wrote The Greater Good hopes that the next phase will be characterized by empathy. He outlines ways to become more empathetic, and the steps are not huge.

One is curiosity. He suggests that this simple emotion can break down stereo types and prejudices. Another strategy is based on the Native American proverb about moccasins. Walking in another person's shoes invites compassion. The article describes the efforts of two people who wanted to experience it up close and personal. George Orwell dressed as a homeless person and found out what that world is like. He records the insights in Down and Out is Paris and London. Another person, a woman this time, dressed up as an elderly lady and felt firsthand how that segment of society can be marginalized.

Minutes after reading the article I thought about a person who is currently annoyed at me. I easily dismissed her feelings, fortifying my own position as faultless. Then I made the connection. Oh. I could be curious about how life is from her side of the road. Maybe I could go so far as to be curious, and eventually empathetic. Novel idea. Rightness was easier, but if I want to be more kind today is a good time to start.