Another reason why empathy isn't always a good thing. Sociopaths have a very effective version of it.
Empathy is about co-feeling what you think others feel - and maybe you do!
Compassion is about what you do, regardless of how you feel about it.
Screwtape again: Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.
Yes, the ability to imagine how others feel can be used for good or evil.
ReplyDeleteIt's why I hate stories like "Wicked", where classic villains are redefined as Not-Evil-Just-Misunderstood. Anyone creep can paint himself as the victim of injustice in order to get his way.
DeleteRemember the Dwarf and Tragedian from The Great Divorce?
ReplyDelete