The origins of this book probably go back to Gordon Allport's seminar in
social psychology at Harvard during the late 1940s and to the invitation
from Gardner Lindzey, some years later, to contribute a section on
"Sympathy and Empathy" to the International Encyclopedia of the Social
Sciences (1968). Since those early beginnings, the book has been "in the
process of becoming. " During that time I have benefited greatly from
the knowledge and assistance of many colleagues, especially the
following, who read and commented upon portions of the manuscript:
Raymond Gastil, the late Joseph Katz, David McClelland, Jitendra
Mohanty, Paul Mussen, Richard Solomon, and Bernard Weiner. To Kenneth
Merrill for a close reading of the Hume material and to M. Brewster
Smith for a careful reading of and suggestions on Chapters 7 and 8, I am
especially indebted. Beverly Joyce withstood constant interruptions to
provide much-needed library assistance, and Vivian Wheeler gave
generously of her excellent editorial experience and knowledge. A
fellowship at the Battelle Research Center in Seattle and an appointment
as a visiting scholar at Harvard were of incalculable help, providing
opportunity, stimulation, and freedom from teaching responsibilities. To
all of the above I am deeply indebted. Just a few words about the
organization of this book.
