Reply #16: I agree, and would only tweak a bit what you say about it being emotion

[checks-n-balances]

I agree that usually empathy involves our emotions, but sometimes it acts more as an attitude or belief. When it's ingrained into our thinking as a WAY OF LIFE, it doesn't always have to rely on a feeling. Sometimes we're too tired or too overwhelmed to have those feelings, but we can call upon an ingrained habit of seeing things a certain way (the way of empathy) when it's needed.

Generally speaking, our parents didn't always feel positive emotions towards us (the same for those of us who have children now), but their attitude and commitment of love carried them (and their children) through the times when they didn't have the feeling. The general way they approached their children was grounded in their commitments and steadfastness.

Kind of like understanding what it means to be a Democrat, which IMHO is built upon the ability to empathize.

(Edited for grammar)