A Brief History of Selective Compassion

Ever thought of empathy as a weakness? Join us as we explore historical instances where compassion was not just discouraged but actively condemned. From the Crusades' convenient theology of bloodshed to the Inquisition's twisted mercy and colonialism's justification for genocide, we uncover how the idea that "too much compassion was spiritually dangerous" was used to control populations and justify horrific acts. Discover how even today, empathy is reframed as a failing in military conflicts, refugee crises, criminal justice reform, and social welfare debates. But more importantly, we'll explore the powerful history of those who rejected the "sin of empathy" and the enduring truth that compassion, eventually, wins. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about this seemingly simple human emotion.

https://dottore.substack.com/p/the-sin-of-empathy