The argument against empathy

The world was built upon savagery and industry, not empathy.


It's a rather recent notion.

Sociopaths have no empathy.

I've always said I'm much more capable of empathy than sympathy. I know how you feel, I just don't really care most of the time.

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Paul Bloom, psychologist and Yale professor, argues that empathy is a bad thing

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Good for him and his misery.

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it actually blinds you to the long-term consequences of your actions

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Caring for others makes life meaningful. A simple act like holding a door open makes a difference in that person's day. I imagine professor Bloom needs something new to justify his salary.

You'd think a Yale professor would know the difference between empathy and sympathy, no?

ETA: The responses in this thread have more to do with sympathy than they do empathy. The professor is discussing empathy. My mistake.

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Paul Bloom, psychologist and Yale professor, argues that empathy is a bad thing—that it makes the world worse. While we've been taught that putting yourself in another's shoes cultivates compassion, it actually blinds you to the long-term consequences of your actions

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says the man incapable of empathy.

poor bastard is rationalizing his emotional immaturity.

Some people are capable of rational thought and empathy.
Those people are not prey to the detriment projected by Bloom.

to be fair, all that is covered in depth in the book set, Tapestry of the Gods by Michael Robbins, Phd.

Bloom thinks his way is the be all, end all. Most people are like that.
Tsk.
Tapestry of the Gods by Michael Robbins, Phd. Bloom has a place in there.

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The argument against empathy

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Whatever.

Ayn Rand would be proud.