As far as my mindset changing, I see myself having more empathy

In the eternal ebb and flow of life, there is a deep, often hidden transformation that takes place within us as we age—a shift in perspective that opens the heart and mind to greater understanding and compassion. The words of Bill Burr, “As far as my mindset changing, I see myself having more empathy in my older age,” reveal a profound truth about the evolution of the human spirit. As we grow older, the experiences we accumulate, the challenges we face, and the people we encounter begin to shape us in ways that we might not fully understand until later. What begins as a self-centered existence in youth—where the world seems to revolve around our own desires and ambitions—gradually gives way to a greater awareness of the struggles and joys of others.

The ancients were no strangers to the notion that age often brings with it an expansion of empathy. The Stoics, particularly Seneca and Epictetus, believed that life’s trials and the wisdom gleaned from experience allow one to develop a deeper sense of compassion for the world and the people in it. Seneca, in his letters, spoke of how the hardships and challenges we face in life are not simply burdens, but opportunities to grow in understanding, to feel for others in their suffering, and to strengthen our own character. The Stoic belief in sympathy—a profound understanding of the shared experience of human life—becomes more refined with age. It is through the experiences of life, through loss, failure, and reflection, that our hearts expand to embrace others.

Socrates, the great philosopher of ancient Greece, was known for his empathetic wisdom, which transcended the simple acquisition of knowledge. He did not view life’s experiences as merely intellectual exercises but saw them as opportunities to truly understand the human condition. Socrates believed that true wisdom was rooted in empathy, in the ability to see the world through the eyes of others, to understand their fears, desires, and struggles. In his later years, Socrates reflected deeply on his own limitations and on the shared suffering of mankind, which fueled his desire to teach others the importance of compassion and humility. His life is a testament to the idea that as we grow, our understanding of the world grows with us, allowing us to embrace others with greater empathy.

Consider the life of Nelson Mandela, who, after spending 27 years in prison, emerged not with bitterness, but with an immense sense of empathy and forgiveness. Mandela’s understanding of the world had expanded profoundly during his time in confinement. He came to see that the struggles of his people were interconnected with the struggles of his oppressors. Instead of carrying anger into his leadership, he carried understanding and empathy for both his fellow South Africans and the ruling class that had once oppressed him. His ability to empathize, despite the immense hardships he faced, allowed him to lead with a wisdom that changed the course of history. Like Burr, Mandela found that age and experience brought with them a deeper capacity to connect with others in a way that transcended personal grievances and focused on the collective good.

The lesson that Burr’s words and the lives of the ancients offer is clear: empathy is not something we are born with in its fullest form but something that is nurtured by the experiences we accumulate over the course of our lives. As we age, we begin to see the world not just through our own narrow lens, but through the eyes of others. This transformation is not a mystical or instantaneous change; rather, it is a gradual unfolding of our spirit, a growing understanding that others, too, are shaped by their own struggles, fears, and dreams. To be fully alive is to cultivate this compassion, to recognize that our lives are interconnected with all those who walk beside us on this journey.

In our own lives, we must take action to nurture the empathy that comes with experience and growth. It is not enough to simply age and pass through life—we must actively seek to understand the lives of others, to place ourselves in their shoes, and to recognize their humanity. As Burr wisely suggests, we must allow the passage of time and our own experiences to broaden our understanding, to embrace the suffering of others as our own, and to cultivate a spirit of compassion that extends beyond our own narrow concerns. Empathy, after all, is not a passive feeling, but an active choice to engage with the world in a way that uplifts others and brings us closer together as a human family.

So, let us carry forward the wisdom of Burr, the Stoics, and the great leaders of history. As we grow older, let us embrace empathy as the truest form of wisdom, the understanding that no one walks alone in this world, and that our shared humanity is a bond we must never forget. With every year, let us expand our hearts, deepen our understanding, and let our empathy guide us toward a future where the suffering of others is not just observed, but shared and alleviated. In this way, we become not only wiser but more fully alive.