Yes. What is generally thought of as empathy—that is to say, agreeing with another person’s opinion and sharing their feelings—is actually sympathy. Empathy is a skill, an attitude, that one has when walking side by side with another.

So, while I was poring over various writings on the missionaries of the Age of Discovery, another interesting thought occurred to me: When it comes down to it, isn’t Adler’s philosophy a religion?

If someone comes into contact with Adler’s ideas, and is immediately moved very deeply and says, “Life is easier now,” that person is grossly misunderstanding Adler. Because when one truly understands what Adler is demanding of us, one is likely to be shocked by its severity.

Religion, philosophy, and science all stem from the same questions: Where do we come from? Where are we? And how should we live? In ancient Greece, there was no division between philosophy and science, and the Latin root of the word “science” is scientia, which simply means “knowledge.”

By practicing it yourself, you will show them what it means to have respect. Teach them how to build the kind of respect that is the cornerstone of all interpersonal relationships, and show them what a respect-based relationship can be. As Adler tells us, “Cowardice is contagious. And courage is contagious too.” Naturally, respect also becomes

That is why people do not try to change, and why they want to feel “okay with things as they are,” no matter how tough life gets. And they end up living in search of “okay as I am” ingredients in order to affirm their current situation.

If I were to listen to stories about “that bad person” or “poor me,” and sympathize with your plight by saying things like, “That must have been tough,” or “It’s not your fault at all,” it is true that you might get some temporary solace. And you might even have a sense of satisfaction that it was good to get counseling, or good to consult this

The relationship you should create with your students is one of friendship.

One must not just observe from a distance. One must dive in oneself.