Empathy and Resistance

When the world is in crisis, having a clear moral compass and unwavering values is crucial, but so too is a willingness to listen to others. Feminist entrepreneur and policy expert Kristina Lunz argues that empathy and resistance are indispensable for defining our political stance, demonstrating our humanity and driving meaningful change. Although they may appear to be opposed to one another, these elements in fact harmonize perfectly in challenging times, unlocking progress across social, cultural and political spheres, and are vital for activism and political action. Drawing on a wide range of personal experience, research on empathy, and knowledge passed down from feminist peacebuilders worldwide, Lunz develops a convincing account of why we need to reach out to others, listen to them and work together without prejudice. She emphasizes the importance of developing a political stance and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, while also encouraging openness and a willingness to change our views when compelling arguments arise, for true conviction lies in value-based decisions rather than the rigid adherence to ideology. This passionately argued book by a leading feminist author and activist will appeal to anyone interested in the task of creating a fairer, kinder world.

1. How I found my compass 2. Empathy     Empathy is not a cure-all     Openness instead of judgement and condemnation    Humanity  Growth    Peacebuilding  3. Resistance  Sisterhood     Deconstructing is important, but constructing is even better    Non-ideological action   Activist’s dilemma  Cynicism as ostensible resistance and intellectual laziness  4. The tools for empathy and resistance Hope Knowledge Networks    5. My compass in tempestuous times Empathy is not a zero-sum game     Constructive impatience  Difficult women     The significance of utopias   Power and the law   The noise out there   6. Women of empathy and resistance Ailbhe Smyth: the legalization of abortion in Ireland  Beatrice Fihn: the path to nuclear disarmament    Düzen Tekkal: groundbreaking recognition of a genocide Stellah Bosire Gloria Steinem   7. Why empathy and resistance are so important now Acknowledgements Notes