Let me start with what I believe to be generally agreeable to most people. Humans are capable of empathy. Empathy is a useful trait among social animals. This trait is particularly useful in humans as our infants are born so helpless.
Let me further state that altruistic behaviors by such a species is not only possible but in some cases useful.
Now, here's where I go off the deep end. I think that the very thing that some would argue makes us human, or at least distinct from machines, can go awry. Empathy often stays our hand. In this sense, it can lead to errors in judgement, but these instances are uncommon in the day-to-day lives of those living in this society. We have separated ourselves from the act of killing for food, for instance.
Empathy can also stay the tongue. We are social creatures. We interact with each other verbally. We know that words can cause pain. However, silence or words with no substance are not always the best approach, nor is pausing to consider every word.
We often are guarded, considering the opinions of others. There are various reasons for that and how often empathy plays a role depends on consequences. But the walls we put up are not simply to protect ourselves. Something once spoken cannot be unspoken. We do sometimes need to
pause; to have a second opinion, even if it is from our own head.
The way others see us is also not a completely shallow concern. Social interaction is the only way we connect. We choose whether or not what they see is a mask or a projection.
In my case, too often, others have been presented with a mask. In many cases, it was not for my own sake. I spent too much time polishing and deburring my words. Sometimes, I stopped myself from speaking all together. Out of respect for privacy, I didn't ask questions and appeared to not care. Out of respect for someone's comfort, I didn't start a conversation. Because I feared that the interaction would make someone unhappy, I didn't interact. It wasn't my own feelings I was concerned with.
And so, I will try to let others know my thoughts. I will probably stick my foot in my mouth more often, but at least people will know I care.
