What does a hunger strike make happen in people's heads that compels them? Do they think "Oh, these poor strikers will starve to death, and that is too terrible

What does a hunger strike make happen in people's heads that compels them? Do they think "Oh, these poor strikers will starve to death, and that is too terrible to allow." or "This striker's conviction is genuine and powerful, I should listen and be receptive to what he has to say." It is the content of their souls that allows them to do what they do and this recognition that makes their demonstration compelling. By the way, spirit strikes are very much a thing, and they are far uglier than hunger strikes.