Understanding the Empathy Gap and Future Self

Meg Jay discusses the empathy gap and its impact on personal development, especially in one's 20s. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with one's future self to make informed life choices. Jay suggests envisioning life at age 35 to create defining moments and encourages ongoing self-reflection and planning. The concepts apply to all life stages, offering practical advice for future planning and goal setting.

What is the empathy gap primarily about?

• The difference in empathy levels between genders

• The gap between rich and poor

• The difficulty in caring for those unlike us

• Understanding others' emotions

Why are there no 'right' answers in life choices according to the speaker?

• Because technology can solve these problems

• Because they are 'large world problems' with many unknowns

• Because everyone has different opinions

• Because life is unpredictable

How does the brain perceive our future selves?

• As current friends

• As fictional characters

• As strangers

• As close family members

What was the effect of showing 20-somethings their aged selves in virtual reality?

• They became more anxious about aging

• They set aside more money for retirement

• They decided to live in the moment

• They ignored the future completely

What percentage of life's defining moments occur by age 35?

• 85%

• 60%

• 50%

• 90%

What is a key strategy for connecting with your future self?

• Ignoring the future

• Visualizing specific future scenarios

• Living only in the present

• Relying on others to plan for you

What is one of the most courageous conversations you can have?

• With a family member

• With your boss

• With your future self

• With a stranger

What is recommended for maintaining accountability with future goals?

• Regularly revisiting and adjusting goals

• Checking in once a decade

• Ignoring the goals after setting them

• Having a one-time conversation

What is a suggested method for tracking progress towards future goals?

• Writing in a journal

• All of the above

• Using a digital app

• Telling a friend or mentor

What is the role of a 'partner' in maintaining future goals?

• To discourage you from setting goals

• To provide accountability

• To make decisions for you

• To replace your future self