Book Review: Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion by Paul Bloom

Who would go against empathy? As the writer points out, it makes us feel all cuddly and happy. It is something that is an integral part of our relations with others. Without it, who is to say we wouldn’t be tearing each other apart? But is it so? Paul Bloom writes that empathy isn’t all cut out for what it is marketed for. Because of it, we make foolish decisions, sacrificing the multitude in the face of one. It skews our thinking, and we end up ignoring facts, drawing up plans, or getting rid o...