A Horse Walks Into a Hospital. What Happens Next Is a Lesson in Empathy. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
The Arithmetic of Compassion

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Peyo doesn’t understand human suffering in the way we do—but he recognizes it. In a hospital in France, this horse moves deliberately, choosing to stand beside patients who need comfort most.

For pianist Makiko Hirata, the lesson is clear: empathy is not just emotion—it’s attention, presence, and the willingness to listen. Even without words, it’s something we can learn.

Let’s dive into this month’s stories.

 

What Can a Horse Teach Us About Compassion?

A horse walking into a hospital seems improbable?

Meet Peyo, a horse who comforts cancer patients, showing that empathy transcends species.

 READ MORE 
 

Empathy as Exercise

Empathy is an act of humility—it reminds us that another person’s suffering could have been ours.

Dr. Pianist, Makiko Hirata, explores how music helps us exercise this essential human capacity.

 READ MORE 
 

When the Oscars Become a Stage for Social Visibility

Can the Oscars be a stage for social visibility?

No Other Land bore witness to loss, Anora gave voice to the unseen, and real-life heroes took the stage.

When storytelling forces us to confront injustice, indifference is no longer an option.

 READ MORE 
 

Why Does Bad News Stick While Good News Fades?

Why does bad news capture our attention while good news fades away?

Explore the psychology behind negativity bias, loss aversion, and media influence.

Learn how these biases shape our perception of the world—and how we can balance our media diet for a healthier, more realistic perspective.

 READ MORE 
 

The Hidden Risks of the Unregulated Use of AI

Can AI replace human connection, or just create a dangerous illusion of support?

Sewell Setzer III's tragic case highlights the risks of unregulated AI. The cost of indifference is too high.

 READ MORE 
 

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Thank you for being part of the Arithmetic of Compassion community.

See you on the next one,

All the best,

Paul Slovic & the AOC Team

 
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The Arithmetic of Compassion

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