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> complete lack of empathy. For all I know, empathy might well be a disability that holds each of us back from doing his/her best. Why do you think it is so es
by mmirate 8y ago
> complete lack of empathy.
For all I know, empathy might well be a disability that holds each of us back from doing his/her best. Why do you think it is so essential?
(EDIT: changed diction; changes are marked in italics)
- TeMPOraL 8y agoMy definition of "doing our best" involves empathy as one of its core components.
- mmirate 8y agoI apologize for my imprecise diction. I should have said, "disability that holds each of us back from doing his/her best". I have edited my previous comment accordingly.
- TeMPOraL 8y agoI still believe that empathy isn't holding us back. As long as you're dealing with other people, everyone having empathy is better than everyone not having it. With empathy, you might "not do your best" by helping someone in their need, but then someone else will help you in your need, and the sum of such interactions gives better payoff to everyone individually than if everyone went completely alone. On the other hand, without widespread empathy, you'd live in constant fear, as any stranger out there - even those you don't know exist - could, at any time, decide to abuse you for their own gain.