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.
2 comments:
Yes, the ability to imagine how others feel can be used for good or evil.
It'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.
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