Empathy is one of the most essential qualities to maintain healthy social relationships. But despite what many believe, it goes beyond the fact of sympathizing with others: it consists of understand life from the other person’s perspectiveput yourself in their place and feel what the other person feels.

It helps us establish a true and deep connection with others and is based on mutual respect. It involves being kind, attentive and supportive of others, even if we have not experienced their same situations.

There are many writers, philosophers and thinkers who have reflected on empathy and have left us inspiring phrases that capture their perception of this important quality in human beings. We have collected 20 of the most famous phrases about empathy and respect that show us what it really means to empathize.