Homo Empathicus

When we talk about the natural virtues we often hear: "in medio stat virtus" (In the middle is virtue). Extremes always pose a problem. Even love that is blind can do more harm than good.We have many examples of this in life. Consequently, when we write or talk it's difficult to qualify all that we say, so that it says what we mean to say. 

However in most cases, feelings don't need those qualifications, it's the behavior that has to be prudently examined before we act. In politics, religion, and business, although behavior is polarized,  there is no reason why our hearts can't overcome the feelings of hate, disgust, avoidance  and allow empathy and alturism to find a place within the psyche.

Even some of the higher primates have this natural empathy, an ability to feel sick with the pain of others. A priest writing in a bulletin gives us an example of chimpanzees who show humans an example of empathy—a person who sympathizes.


Among the famous scholars studying chimpanzees is Frans De Waal. One experiment was to have a chimpanzee inside a cage with a rope connected to  the outside. At first the chimpanzee inside was not interested in the rope. Then, by chance, pulled the rope and was given food. From that time on, the chimp learned from experience when you pull the rope you get food. The hunger problem was solved.

But something strange happened for every time the rope was pulled the chimp in the next cage to our chimpanzee began to suffer. When he pulled the rope, it was nice to have something to eat but the  chimpanzee in the next cage suffered. And the chimpanzee realized this was happening.  

What did the chimpanzee do? Does the chimpanzee keep pulling the rope? No, the chimp no longer pulled the rope. No matter how hungry, the rope was not pulled. Frans de Waal learned from this experiment that chimpanzees also had the ability to sympathize with the pain of others. 

We are human beings—'Homo Empathicus', people with empathy. This ability is not gained from our efforts. It is the gift of God, that even animals have. 

We are all born with the ability to sympathize with others. Some people develop the ability to empathize while living, but some people lose the ability to empathize. Particularly in our capitalist society, it's  easy for us to lose this ability. At times  when empathy, is exercised, people  are considered fools.   

The power of empathy is a gift from God. With this empathy, we love our neighbors, and by loving our neighbors we grow closer to God. Where do we use this beautiful talent? Is this beautiful gift becoming weaker? We need to examine ourselves.