"Elon Musk has expressed a belief that empathy is a valuable human trait but one that can become problematic when misapplied or taken to extremes. He distinguishes between what he calls "shallow empathy" and "deep empathy," suggesting that the former can lead to misguided decisions, while the latter reflects a more thoughtful consideration of broader consequences. For instance, in posts on X, Musk has argued that "shallow empathy is caring about criminals" while "deep empathy is caring about the victims of criminals," indicating that he prioritizes empathy directed toward those harmed over those who cause harm.
"In a broader context, Musk has suggested that empathy should not override practical considerations or strength. In a post responding to Gad Saad in March 2024, he wrote, "A future with more empathy would be wonderful, but this can only be done from a position of strength. If the weak favor empathy, but the strong do not, the weak will be enslaved or killed," referencing the historical example of the pacifist Moriori. This highlights his view that empathy, while desirable, must be tempered by a realistic assessment of power dynamics and survival."
Well, Musk certainly has an 'interesting' take on Empathy... Not one I share (obviously)... I believe that Empathy is essentially hardwired in humans. and has clear evolutionary advantage. Describing it (as he did on Rogan) as a 'fundamental weakness of Western civilisation' is complete nonsense - plus, as a foundation of that civilisation, wouldn't that be saying that Empathy is a fundamental weakness of *Christianity*? Which seems quite bizarre (to an admittedly ignorant non-Christian).
Whilst its true that some try to extract favour by feigning problems to elicit our empathy/sympathy that's no excuse to throw out the idea and only allow yourself to have empathy 'from a position of strength' whatever *that* means. Sure, don't be a sucker but that doesn't mean that empathy is in any way 'weak'.
I imagine he's referring to Europe's immigration policies, and specifically the tolerance its law enforcement authorities seem to have for aggressive and violent behavior from Syrians, etc. I would have to listen to that segment of the podcast to know for sure, though.
4 comments:
As usual, context delivers a full broadside:
https://www.definingempathy.com/development/criticisms/elon-musk
A quote:
"Elon Musk has expressed a belief that empathy is a valuable human trait but one that can become problematic when misapplied or taken to extremes. He distinguishes between what he calls "shallow empathy" and "deep empathy," suggesting that the former can lead to misguided decisions, while the latter reflects a more thoughtful consideration of broader consequences. For instance, in posts on X, Musk has argued that "shallow empathy is caring about criminals" while "deep empathy is caring about the victims of criminals," indicating that he prioritizes empathy directed toward those harmed over those who cause harm.
"In a broader context, Musk has suggested that empathy should not override practical considerations or strength. In a post responding to Gad Saad in March 2024, he wrote, "A future with more empathy would be wonderful, but this can only be done from a position of strength. If the weak favor empathy, but the strong do not, the weak will be enslaved or killed," referencing the historical example of the pacifist Moriori. This highlights his view that empathy, while desirable, must be tempered by a realistic assessment of power dynamics and survival."
Well, Musk certainly has an 'interesting' take on Empathy... Not one I share (obviously)... I believe that Empathy is essentially hardwired in humans. and has clear evolutionary advantage. Describing it (as he did on Rogan) as a 'fundamental weakness of Western civilisation' is complete nonsense - plus, as a foundation of that civilisation, wouldn't that be saying that Empathy is a fundamental weakness of *Christianity*? Which seems quite bizarre (to an admittedly ignorant non-Christian).
Whilst its true that some try to extract favour by feigning problems to elicit our empathy/sympathy that's no excuse to throw out the idea and only allow yourself to have empathy 'from a position of strength' whatever *that* means. Sure, don't be a sucker but that doesn't mean that empathy is in any way 'weak'.
I imagine he's referring to Europe's immigration policies, and specifically the tolerance its law enforcement authorities seem to have for aggressive and violent behavior from Syrians, etc. I would have to listen to that segment of the podcast to know for sure, though.
The man has 14 (and counting) children by means of four different women... he can pontificate all he wants, but he clearly doesn't get empathy.
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