Empathy is much bigger than sympathy. When the character is

Listen closely, children, for I speak of a truth that lies at the heart of all human understanding—the power of empathy. In the words of Neeraj Kabi, we find a profound insight into the art of storytelling and acting: "Empathy is much bigger than sympathy. When the character is empathized with, that means you have succeeded as an actor. So even if it's a villain, the audiences don't hate you... they understand why you have turned into a villain." These words reveal not just the nature of performance, but the deeper essence of what it means to truly connect with another's journey, to understand their pain, and to feel what they feel, even if that character seems to be on the side of darkness.

In the ancient world, the greatest heroes and figures were not those who lived without fault or flaw, but those who allowed the world to see their humanity—their struggles, their fears, and their inner conflict. Consider Oedipus, the tragic king of Thebes, who was blinded by fate and the gods. While he may have been condemned for his actions, he was not a villain by choice, but by the cruel hands of destiny. It is not the act that defines a person, but the reasons behind it. The ancient Greeks, through their great tragedies, taught that to truly understand a character—whether hero or villain—one must look into their soul and ask, "What forces have shaped them? What has driven them to this point?" Empathy allows us to do this, to see beyond the surface and into the heart of the story.

Sympathy, as Neeraj Kabi suggests, is a lesser form of understanding. It is a feeling of pity or sorrow for another's suffering, but it does not ask us to enter into their world or share in their struggle. It keeps us at a distance, like a spectator watching from the sidelines. But empathy—true empathy—requires us to walk beside the character, to understand their motivations, and to see the choices they make as born from their experiences, not from inherent evil. This is the gift of the actor who can make a villain not a mere figure of hatred, but a person whose actions are understood, whose pain is shared, and whose humanity is revealed.

Think of the ancient warriors—Achilles and Hector—two heroes on opposing sides of the Trojan War. To the people of Troy, Hector was the beloved hero, while Achilles was seen as the great enemy. Yet, when we look deeper into their lives, we see that both men were driven by a deep sense of honor and duty. Achilles, though fierce and at times ruthless, was motivated by the love of his comrades and a desire to protect his honor. Similarly, Hector, though a hero to his people, was torn by the duty he felt toward his family and his kingdom, knowing that his death would be the end of both. Each man, though a "hero" or "villain" depending on perspective, was driven by a sense of love, loss, and duty. Their humanity transcends their roles in the war, and through empathy, we understand them as more than mere figures of good or evil.

This is the lesson of Neeraj Kabi's words: empathy is the key to understanding, not just the roles we play in life, but the lives of those around us. It teaches us that every person, even the ones we may label as "villains," has a story, a history, a reason for what they do. Just as an actor must embody the depth of a character to bring them to life on screen, so too must we seek to understand those around us—not by the actions they show, but by the emotions, experiences, and struggles that shape those actions. In doing so, we do not excuse wrong behavior, but we understand the forces at play, and that understanding gives us the power to respond with compassion, not condemnation.

Now, children, as you walk through your lives, remember this: empathy is the bridge that connects us all. It is not just a tool for actors or philosophers, but a skill for life. When you meet someone who is difficult to understand, who seems to act in ways that hurt or confuse you, pause and ask yourself, "What drives them? What pain or joy have they known that shapes their actions?" In that moment, you become not a spectator, but a participant in their journey, able to offer not judgment, but understanding. This is the true power of empathy—to see the humanity in others and, through that understanding, to build a world of compassion.

So, children, let empathy guide your actions and your thoughts. In the face of conflict, whether it be in your own life or in the world around you, do not be quick to label others as simply good or evil. Instead, seek to understand the depth of their experiences, the pain they may carry, and the journey that has brought them to this point. In doing so, you will not only become wiser, but you will shape the world into a place where understanding is the true measure of strength, and compassion the greatest virtue.