Human empathy is so natural that whenever we see someone in need, our first impulse is to help. Considering that we are in a society where newborns are helpless for the first few years, society couldn\’t have survived without it. I remember when I heard about the disasters and tragedies in the last few years, only when I saw the faces–expressions of pain, fear, and anxiety–it\’s when I understand. It\’s when I have the urge to make a difference.
But on another subject…that I can\’t stop thinking of…
\”When guys have something broken, they get as much attention as girls normally do. But when girls have something broken, oh they have the entire world in front of them. You should take advantage of that.\” Carl said to me today. \”Show that you can stand in the face of adversity. But if they open the door for you, help you with your bag, offer to help you with other things…\”
Last May, I was sitting downstairs when my housemate was struggling with her moving boxes. We hadn\’t spoken for several months over trivial arguments and issues. Simply put, we didn\’t like each other\’s presence. But as I watched her carry a box, I couldn\’t help but ask sincerely, \”Do you need any help?\”
Simply saying that, we reconciled (for at least one day). Amazing.
[i]Human empathy is so natural that whenever we see someone in need, our first impulse is to help. [/i]
that\’s a gross exaggeration. i\’ll hold the door for you. i\’d resuscitate you. but that\’s it. but I wouldn\’t lend you a single cent or property of mine (neither would you :) ). i would feel uncomfortable talking to someone with aids, cancer, or some other weird disease knew nothing of. In there lies the grave flaw.
on second thought, tit for tat.
Is chivalry really dead? Should it be?
Do unto others as we do unto them?
Never got to respond, but I would lend money to you if you were my friend. At one point, I offered $5000 to a friend who was kicked out of his house but he didn\’t take it. So I would say our level of empathy is highly dependent on what society dictates we do. Learned?