empathy is enabled by three neural systems that tune into the thoughts, emotions, and actions of others: Thoughts. Behind your forehead, the prefrontal cortex enables you to understand another person’s beliefs, values, and plans. Emotions. On the inside of the temporal lobes on the sides of your head, the insula gets engaged when you sense the feelings of others. Actions. In different parts of your brain, mirror-like networks activate both when you do something—such as reaching for a cup—and when you see another person doing it.
