In her memoir, "Reading Lolita in Tehran," Azar Nafisi emphasizes the importance of empathy in understanding the human experience. She suggests that true connection with others requires acknowledging and responding to their struggles. A failure to recognize the pain of others not only isolates individuals from one another but also neglects the shared human narrative that binds them together.

Nafisi's reflection on empathy highlights that deep relationships and meaningful interactions rely on an awareness of the challenges faced by others. The danger of blindness to these issues is portrayed as a significant moral failing, suggesting that overcoming such ignorance is essential for a compassionate society. Through literature, she advocates for a heightened sensitivity toward the complexities of human emotions and experiences.