Against Empathy

The Case for Rational Compassion

By: Paul Bloom

Narrated by: Karen Cass

A controversial call to arms, Against Empathy argues that the natural impulse to share the feelings of others can lead to immoral choices in both public policy and in our intimate relationships with friends and family.

Most people, including many policy makers, activists, scientists, and philosophers, have encouraged us to be more empathetic—to feel the pain and pleasure of others. Yale researcher and author Paul Bloom argues that this is a mistake. Far from leading us to improve the lives of others, empathy is a capricious and irrational emotion that appeals to our narrow prejudices. It muddles our judgment and often leads to cruelty. We are at our best when we are smart enough not to rely on it, and draw upon a more distanced compassion.

Based on groundbreaking scientific findings, Against Empathy makes the case that some of the worst decisions that individuals and nations make—from who to give money to, when to go to war, how to respond to climate change, and who to put in prison—are too often motivated by honest, yet misplaced, emotions. With clear and witty prose, Bloom demonstrates how empathy distorts our judgment in every aspect of our lives, from philanthropy and charity to the justice system; from culture and education to foreign policy and war. Without empathy, Bloom insists, our decisions would be clearer, fairer, and ultimately more moral.

Bound to be controversial, Against Empathy shows us that, when it comes to major policy decisions and the choices we make in our everyday lives, limiting our empathetic emotions is often the most compassionate choice we can make.

Good Concept, Well, but not Rigorously, Executed

What did you love best about Against Empathy?

The concept is interesting and well cashed out with experimental results. Bloom provides good reasons to think empathy isn’t always useful (and is usually not useful).

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Bloom is not a philosopher and his philosophical arguments are weak in many spots.

Insightful, Helpful, and Fun

Against Empathy and Pro Rationality. He covers a lot of ground: from politics to ethics to group and interpersonal relationships. A solid alignment with cognitive psychology books like Thinking, Fast and Slow and Drive.

Nothing You Haven't Considered

I wasn't expecting revelation, but I had hoped for interesting. I think my teenager my enjoy it, but in a 10 min Ted Talk form.

will make you reconsider your mental models

Paul Bloom's attention to detail in constructing his argument is careful and persuasive. For review, listen to his podcast with Sam Harris.

Provocative, witty and persuasive

This is a pleasure to listen to. He took detailed content about psychological theory and research and presented it in an accessible way. I did not think I would be so interested in this topic but the writing and argumentation made it very interesting.