Stoic Empathy

What if you could lead with strength and compassion? Negotiate effectively and ethically? Live from rigorous principles and deep connection? Find answers in this radical new paradigm of personal power.



“A radical approach to influence rooted in ethical strength. . . . A profound blend of philosophy, personal story, and actionable insights that will inspire readers to lead with both heart and mind.”

— Dr. Mike Dow, New York Times best-selling author of The Brain Fog Fix

Stoicism combined with empathy may sound like an oxymoron. But when these seemingly opposing forces are harnessed together, they have the power to change your life.

We think of empathy as an emotional stance: we feel what someone else is feeling. In this book, Shermin Kruse offers a radical alternative. She outlines a form of empathy that’s based in cognition instead—a way for us to understand what the other person is thinking and feeling while keeping a distance from their emotive state—and shows us how we can strategically maneuver our level of engagement from “emotional empathy” to “cognitive empathy” in all kinds of circumstances. Then she utilizes Stoic philosophy and modern science to explain the mechanics of emotional regulation and control.

With this radical perspective shift, Kruse builds a bridge between the rigor of Stoic philosophy and the relational impact of empathy. She gives us the knowledge and discipline we need to:

· Calmly assess the power dynamics of any situation

· Understand and manage our own emotions as well as the emotions of others

· Defuse danger and turn conflict into connection

· Skillfully steer a challenging conversation toward the result we want

Whether you're a leader striving to succeed in your role with integrity, an educator seeking to guide curious minds with compassion, a parent nurturing resilience in your children, or simply facing a personal or professional crossroads, Stoic Empathy is an essential toolkit for negotiating success in every area of your life.