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  • Writer's pictureCadu Lemos

Selective emotions. Empathy or compassion?



In an interconnected and interdependent world, conflicts are present in all spheres of society and we end up witnessing confrontations around the world in real time. These confrontations, whether between states or internal factions, require our attention and collective action to find peaceful solutions. As we reflect on our role in building a more compassionate world, it is crucial to also consider the conflict situations that persist globally, as well as the urban violence that affects communities in various places, including Brazil. Currently, some of the main active wars around the planet include the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the civil war in Yemen, as well as the urban violence that impacts many cities in different regions of the world. In the Brazilian context, urban violence is a reality that affects many communities. It is essential that we look at these issues objectively, seeking to understand the roots of conflicts and working together to create solutions that promote peace and security for all. However, I firmly believe that our response to these conflicts goes beyond being merely selective in our perception. At the same time, we must continually improve our self-knowledge, compassion and empathy. Looking inwards before looking outwards. By looking at the world with a non-dual mind, we can transcend divisions and work towards peace and global understanding. The journey of self-discovery allows us to cultivate a deeper awareness of our own actions, values and prejudices. Compassion and empathy, on the other hand, enable us to understand the perspective of others and find solutions that promote peaceful coexistence. Unfortunately, the term 'empathy' has often been used and abused gratuitously, which has led to its perception and adoption losing momentum. Here's Canadian psychologist Paul Bloom's position on the subject: "Empathy is one of the main drivers of inequality and immorality in society. Far from helping us to improve the lives of others, empathy is a capricious and irrational emotion that appeals to our narrow prejudices." What does Bloom suggest we need instead of empathy? By deconstructing how empathy affects our decisions and leads to sub-optimal results, Bloom proposes an alternative to empathy: rational compassion. Let's remember that we are part of a global community and our actions, however small, can make a difference. By engaging consciously and compassionately with the world around us, we can contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious future for all. #nonduality#compassion#empathy#autconhecimento#cadulemos#projetoflow#conscienciaglobal#pazmundial


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