Jan 30 2013: I think it best to consider that empathy is only one determining factor in how you "compete" in life.In any instance it is best to look at empathy as being on a spectrum. You do not either "have it" or "not have it". One end of the spectrum makes for a highly empathetic/sympathetic person and we all know what is on the other end.
Where you end up happiness wise is up to the individual and is not quantifiable nor should it be comparable.
Just be awarewho you are dealing with.
Apr 1 2012: The potential to bully is in the genetic code. Therefore it is not a giant leap to imagine that those grownup bullies(who are programmed to do so) will exhibit behaviour that seems natural to them. Unfortunayely it is reasonable to assume that they will have an influence on some impressionable young who are not necessarily programmed this way. Most will eventually realise this behaviour is wrong. Saddly not all and the cycle will continue. The only solution is firm intervention.
Mar 20 2012: Thank you to the respondees.
What I am in favour of is implementing current knowledge into the standard curriculum whilst recognising that all ideas are theories to be tested. History has shown us that past ideas have consistently proven to be superceded as knowledge is gained. With that in mind I advocate that what should be taught is that which most satisifies scientific testing. There are a lot of basic components of cosmology, physics and genetics that currently meet critical assessment.
Philosophy, although a tad more subjective, is a must for all critical thinkers.
Mar 7 2012: The problem with psychopaths is not that they cannot learn. It is more a case of them learning too well. Unfortunately if you spend your life learning how to behave in any situation that involves emotion your "emotions" can appear to be more sincere then any one elses. I think that psychopaths percieve empathy as being a weakness that they are happy to exploit to their own advantage.
Mar 7 2012: I am under no illusion that this is a serious and difficult subject. Steven Pinker acknowledged that there was a problem in his excellent "The Blank Slate" and then seemed to ignore the problem. If he has a problem with this subject then I don't think that any easy solutions will be forthcoming. Anyone interested in the subject will enjoy reading Martha Stout's "The Sociopath Next Door".
Mar 6 2012: The figures that I have seen suggests that close to fifty percent of all serious crime is committed by psychpoaths. However it is not these people that I am concwerned with. What I am worried about are the people who learn how to manipulate all those they encounter for their own advantage. There are only two things that seem to motivate psychopaths and they are winning at all cost and dominating others.
Mar 6 2012: Thanks George. I am very mindful of the fact that these people have rights. I feel sure that no one would ask to be born without the capacity for empathy. At this stage it seems to be all about awareness and that is proving a difficult task. It is extremely difficult for a person with empathy to contemplate a person not having any.
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A comment on Conversation: How can overly empathetic/sympathetic people compete in this world? Do they eventually end up jaded and bitter?
Where you end up happiness wise is up to the individual and is not quantifiable nor should it be comparable.
Just be awarewho you are dealing with.
A comment on Conversation: Are grownup bullies teaching kids how to bully?
A comment on Conversation: Should basic cosmology, physics,genetics and philosophy be mandatory learning for all school children?
What I am in favour of is implementing current knowledge into the standard curriculum whilst recognising that all ideas are theories to be tested. History has shown us that past ideas have consistently proven to be superceded as knowledge is gained. With that in mind I advocate that what should be taught is that which most satisifies scientific testing. There are a lot of basic components of cosmology, physics and genetics that currently meet critical assessment.
Philosophy, although a tad more subjective, is a must for all critical thinkers.
A reply on Conversation: 4% population is psychopathic and seek positions of authority.2/3 obey people in authority. Psychopaths do not set an altrustic example.
A comment on Conversation: 4% population is psychopathic and seek positions of authority.2/3 obey people in authority. Psychopaths do not set an altrustic example.
A reply on Conversation: 4% population is psychopathic and seek positions of authority.2/3 obey people in authority. Psychopaths do not set an altrustic example.
A reply on Conversation: 4% population is psychopathic and seek positions of authority.2/3 obey people in authority. Psychopaths do not set an altrustic example.