Born for Love

Why Empathy Is Essential - and Endangered

By: Bruce D. Perry, Maia Szalavitz

Narrated by: Corey M. Snow

From birth, when babies' fingers instinctively cling to those of adults, their bodies and brains seek an intimate connection - a bond made possible by empathy, the remarkable ability to love and to share the feelings of others. In this unforgettable book, award-winning science journalist Maia Szalavitz and renowned child psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry explain how empathy develops, why it is essential both to human happiness and for a functional society, and how it is threatened in a modern world.

©2010 Maia Szalavitz and Bruce D. Perry (P)2015 Tantor

Critic reviews

" Born for Love is truly fascinating." (Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project)

A good read to do twice in a row

There is so much helpful information. A lot of scientific references were hard to comprehend, but as I got to the end chapters I was really starting to comprehend and tie ideas together. Thank you for teaching my more about empathy and compassion. My major in school is Community Health Administration and the topics of empathy and compassion in a neurological and scientific sense is important.

Seeing love through actually study of people's lives.

It was an excellent listen. As I love hearing the practical things that cause empathy.

Perfect Mix of Storytelling and Scientific Study

While this book focuses heavily on the empathy developed in childhood and infants, this book does make it clear that it can be developed and improved throughout life. I thought that was an excellent point to be made and providong a sense of hope to readers.
The book also highlights the work of others in studying and developing empathy. It also includes specific policies and practices we can use as individuals and society to foster the growth of empathy.
His statements based on research and personal stories from people he works or spoke to compliment each other perfectly. The audio and reader were also great.

Must Read

A must read to understand the vital importance of connection for every woman/man and humanity. Our society has become socially impoverished and is growing more so; we must turn this ill trend. This book is convicting, yet hopeful. Read...

Amazing as always

Dr Perry’s books are always amazing and well worth the reading. Anyone in the helping profession should be required to read them.