Week 2- Science of Happiness Reflection

 

I was really interested in learning about social connections this week. Although I was not instantly excited to learn about the biological elements that impact our happiness, I found this learning to be helpful in making connections between the physical and psychological sides of how humans live and that are connected to subjective well-being. I was really fascinated by the lessons this week that covered empathy as well. I found the information to be inspiring, especially when addressing how increased empathy can be a great tool for solving world conflict and helps to make connections across racial, class, or party lines. The information I delved into this week extended my learning greatly, as I made connections involving how social connection and empathy both work as a tool to foster increased happiness and are biologically ingrained in us as humans.  

I have a few questions regarding empathy. One question I have is “what patterns of behavior lead to abnormally low levels of empathy?” and “how does an unempathetic individual begin to break the cycle of their selfishness?”. I think looking more into how we can break down barriers between groups through dismantling ignorance and increasing empathy would be very interesting. Another curiosity I have is how trauma at a young age can impact their development of empathy. Through my course work this week, I learned about how impactful childhood is on a person’s levels of empathy. I would be interested to learn more about how a child's unique experiences shape their gauge of empathy throughout life.