Building Empathy: Lessons from “Another Day in Paradise”

Phil Collins Another Day in Paradise

A French friend I met in Japan once sang Another Day in Paradise by Phil Collins during a karaoke session. While I knew Phil Collins as the drummer of Genesis (yes, I’m not that young, though it’s still not my generation), I hadn’t heard this particular song before. The beauty of karaoke, especially when you don’t know a song, is that you get to read the lyrics as you sing. Admittedly, I don’t often pay much attention to lyrics—but this time was different.

Watch the song here:

The Story Behind the Song

Collins explained in multiple interviews that the song highlights the despair of homelessness. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, he said:

“I wrote this after being in Washington, DC, where I was amazed by how many people I saw living in boxes.”

I wrote this after being in Washington, DC, where I was amazed by how many people I saw living in boxes.”

In an interview with Musician, he described his experience in Washington:

“I remember when we played Washington… The city was almost at a standstill, and these people were trying to sleep on the grills where all the hot air was coming up, and you could see that it was in the shadow of Capitol Hill. I thought it was an extraordinary contradiction.”

The Science of Empathy

Research on the brain reveals that humans are quick to form ingroups, and individuals outside these groups often receive less empathy. In extreme cases, they are even perceived as objects rather than people. One study found that when participants looked at photos of homeless individuals or drug addicts, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)—the part of the brain associated with empathy—was less active. In essence, the homeless have become dehumanized in the minds of many.

Expanding Awareness Across Boundaries

Now, let’s take this idea a step further. Imagine a different country or culture. Could it be that we are unconsciously withholding empathy from those outside our immediate circle? Studies on the brain’s plasticity—the ability to adapt and change—show that this bias isn’t permanent. While children and young adults (up to age 25) have the greatest neuroplasticity, adults can also reshape their thinking.

How? By fostering healthy habits for the brain: balanced nutrition, regular exercise, meaningful social connections, and challenging ourselves intellectually. Raising awareness about societal structures and biases also plays a critical role in cultivating empathy.

A Shared Responsibility

Recognizing our tendency to form exclusive groups helps us understand the need for a broader perspective. If we can view ourselves as global citizens first, appreciating our differences becomes possible. Empathy, which seems to be in short supply, is essential for addressing the inequalities highlighted in the news and on social media.

The gap in wealth has grown so vast in recent decades that it should feel shocking—but our brains normalize these disparities as part of how society functions. However, we now possess the tools and knowledge to challenge these norms. Isn’t it time we prioritize basic needs for everyone—water, food, shelter, electricity, and education? By addressing these universal needs, we can create a shared ingroup: humanity.

The Role of Opportunity in Talent

Think about it—would Mozart have been Mozart if he had struggled to find food? Would Kobe Bryant have become a legendary basketball player without a proper education? Perhaps. But joking aside, many of us fail to recognize how disconnected we are from the harsh realities others face. The first step toward fixing this is working on our own brains.

A Call to Action

What steps do you think we can take to make basic needs accessible to everyone? How can we create a world where empathy replaces indifference? Let’s discuss this together!

Read the full lyrics of Another Day in Paradise here.

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