In the last few days, two New York Times writers published disturbing columns about the state of the world in 2023. While seemingly unrelated, however, these pieces share a common thread: the failure of our civilization to solve what I call the “empathy problem.” The routine torture and extermination of animals is an example of this failure — but also shows how we can save the world from not just dangerous technology, but from the darkest instincts in our own psyche.
There's an excellent book, Political Ponerology, which documents that lack of empathy is the root of evil. Complex and dense. Loads of evidence. Including on the role of minor bran damage in creating this lack of empathy. I've just done a series of posts on the concepts in the book. Very applicable to all done to animals.
We sing in the Poor People’s Campaign “everybody’s got a right to live”. Animals were here long before we arrived. They have ancestors older than ours. I see 2 distinct forces in the human mind/heart. Light and darkness, love and hate. We will either evolve
Eloquently written. Thank you for making this free to read. The current system of power (the economy) destroys empathy in the search for profits. People are built to bond with each other and animals. I personally chose to not eat meat but I support hunters who honor their kill and use every part of the animal. That's empathy in action.
Let's rebuild small scale, humane farms. Plant a garden if you can and see people in person for conversation and hugs.
Remove the technology from between you and others...as I ironically write this on my phone. 😊. Time for me to go outside for a walk and say hi to a neighbor,
Animals are not only the least powerful. They have the least value, propped up by religion: Christian doctrine always positions animals at the very bottom of its anthropocentric hierarchy of value, and elevates even a fertilized human egg to the status of a demigod!
Most religious texts ignore or defame animals. When animals are mentioned, their exploitation is often ignored or encouraged. (Recent example Pope Francis's ignorant comment--that the current pandemic could be Nature's response to [anthropogenic] climate change: "This is the moment to see the poor," he said, adding that society often treats those in need as "rescued animals.")
At most, religions can foster a more "humane" view of animals WHILE STILL CONDONING THEIR EXPLOITATION. ”In short, God loves and cares for animals independently—but not equal to—his love and care for the human family.”
They are not only the least powerful, but the least valuable--humans possess "supreme" value!
Human civilization is going down the toilet. A lot of humans deserve what they have coming and for those who don't I'm sorry. There is no way humans are going to be responsible and ethical with AI, they already aren't and it's only going to get so much further out of hand. Wayne I know you talked about bringing a new human into this world. Please put a lot of though into such a decision. I don't think it's empathetic to force someone into this world, but it would be very kind to help individuals who already exist and are in need. I highly doubt many people, if anyone at all, would sign up to enter this dystopian existence.
Ppl need to wake up and wake up quickly to the already out of control AI in the world including mind control AI being used on the public, dissidents, activists, whistleblowers. There is no way to know when it's been used on you. Listen to targeted individuals. These are very bright, experienced folks being remotely tortured. There is no mass hysteria. They are advancing quickly the transhumanism agenda to turn humans into cyborgs to withstand any environment. Catch up folks this is deadly serious. AI has its own consciousness.
I understand what the author is saying, but I have to disagree somewhat. Animals deserve to be free from abuse period -- regardless of the effect on us. It saddens me that people are only swayed to stop animal abuse if it affects THEM.
Yes. The way we treat animals is a scathing indictment against our species, and suggests we cannot be trusted with technology. BUT ... animals should be seen as an end withal/ an end within themselves, ( in the Kantian sense/ his categorical imperative which commands we treat all as an end and never 'merely as a means'.
Agreed. The question is, how to we turn on the empathy gene in people who seem to be missing it? I think the answer might lie in mass dissemination of images of animal torture, evidence, in main stream media. Seeing might just jolt people out of their slumber. I know it worked for me.
It comes back to who we are as a species. When I see what mankind does to animals I want to divorce myself from humanity. What ARE we?
Brilliant. True. Poignant. Disturbing.
If only all humans could see the horrors of animal abuse maybe they would change their behaviour.
Animals must be seen as an END WITHAL and not merely as a means. Period. Same with mother earth. White man has no respect for either. None.
There's an excellent book, Political Ponerology, which documents that lack of empathy is the root of evil. Complex and dense. Loads of evidence. Including on the role of minor bran damage in creating this lack of empathy. I've just done a series of posts on the concepts in the book. Very applicable to all done to animals.
We sing in the Poor People’s Campaign “everybody’s got a right to live”. Animals were here long before we arrived. They have ancestors older than ours. I see 2 distinct forces in the human mind/heart. Light and darkness, love and hate. We will either evolve
Eloquently written. Thank you for making this free to read. The current system of power (the economy) destroys empathy in the search for profits. People are built to bond with each other and animals. I personally chose to not eat meat but I support hunters who honor their kill and use every part of the animal. That's empathy in action.
Let's rebuild small scale, humane farms. Plant a garden if you can and see people in person for conversation and hugs.
Remove the technology from between you and others...as I ironically write this on my phone. 😊. Time for me to go outside for a walk and say hi to a neighbor,
Animals are not only the least powerful. They have the least value, propped up by religion: Christian doctrine always positions animals at the very bottom of its anthropocentric hierarchy of value, and elevates even a fertilized human egg to the status of a demigod!
Most religious texts ignore or defame animals. When animals are mentioned, their exploitation is often ignored or encouraged. (Recent example Pope Francis's ignorant comment--that the current pandemic could be Nature's response to [anthropogenic] climate change: "This is the moment to see the poor," he said, adding that society often treats those in need as "rescued animals.")
At most, religions can foster a more "humane" view of animals WHILE STILL CONDONING THEIR EXPLOITATION. ”In short, God loves and cares for animals independently—but not equal to—his love and care for the human family.”
They are not only the least powerful, but the least valuable--humans possess "supreme" value!
Human civilization is going down the toilet. A lot of humans deserve what they have coming and for those who don't I'm sorry. There is no way humans are going to be responsible and ethical with AI, they already aren't and it's only going to get so much further out of hand. Wayne I know you talked about bringing a new human into this world. Please put a lot of though into such a decision. I don't think it's empathetic to force someone into this world, but it would be very kind to help individuals who already exist and are in need. I highly doubt many people, if anyone at all, would sign up to enter this dystopian existence.
I do not think the nature of man is such, that animals stand a chance. Open a history book. We are a frightful species.
Ppl need to wake up and wake up quickly to the already out of control AI in the world including mind control AI being used on the public, dissidents, activists, whistleblowers. There is no way to know when it's been used on you. Listen to targeted individuals. These are very bright, experienced folks being remotely tortured. There is no mass hysteria. They are advancing quickly the transhumanism agenda to turn humans into cyborgs to withstand any environment. Catch up folks this is deadly serious. AI has its own consciousness.
I understand what the author is saying, but I have to disagree somewhat. Animals deserve to be free from abuse period -- regardless of the effect on us. It saddens me that people are only swayed to stop animal abuse if it affects THEM.
Yes. The way we treat animals is a scathing indictment against our species, and suggests we cannot be trusted with technology. BUT ... animals should be seen as an end withal/ an end within themselves, ( in the Kantian sense/ his categorical imperative which commands we treat all as an end and never 'merely as a means'.
Agreed. The question is, how to we turn on the empathy gene in people who seem to be missing it? I think the answer might lie in mass dissemination of images of animal torture, evidence, in main stream media. Seeing might just jolt people out of their slumber. I know it worked for me.