Is empathy actually learned or you're born with it, I hate seeing people agonizing in pain?

[Anonymous]

It doesn't matter if the person is 6'2 himself, it feels bad. I hate seeing a person on the ground, agonizing in pain.

Many years ago, I was watching an episode about funny videos caught on camera. It was about falling accidents. One of them was about a guy (probably in his early 20's at the time), skating and he fell on a ramp, then to make matters worse he ended up in a scissor like position, legs wide open. I felt horrible. This might sound silly but part of me wanted to reach the TV screen and teletransport myself, then comfort him in any way possible.

I actually didn't find that one funny. I was thinking maybe he needs medical assistance or something. In this case, even though I was still a minor at the time (probably in my early teens), I emphasized with that young guy. Is empathy learned or natural?

Updates

+1 y

I hate seeing babies and toddlers getting hurt when they bump their little heads or fall down, then start crying. That also makes me feel terrible.

[comekitty]

I don't know if it's learned or natural but I'm the same way - with all people but especially kids and animals.

I teach kindergarten and when they cry or get hurt it pulls at my heart. I give out a lot of hugs at the beginning of the year - the kids who cry because they miss their mom but also the moms (lol) who are crying because their baby will be gone for the whole day.

I can't stand the thought of animals being hurt either. It makes me so sad.

[Nikki1989]

I think it has more to do with the way you are raised.

[strateguy632]

this is something learnt but many did not learn so funny to them.