The Empathy Exams (essays)

"The Empathy Exams" is a collection of essays by Leslie Jamison that explores the complex nature of empathy—our ability to understand and share the feelings of others. The essays intertwine personal experiences, cultural observations, and reflections on pain and suffering, often drawing on medical contexts and the human condition. Jamison examines how empathy can both connect and distance us, highlighting the nuances in our interactions with those who are suffering. Through her thoughtful prose, she invites readers to consider the value and limitations of empathy in understanding ourselves and others.