Against Empathy: Summary Review

This is a summary review of Against Empathy containing key details about the book.

What is Against Empathy About?

Against Empathy draws on the distinctions between empathy, compassion, and moral decision making. The author argues that empathy is not the solution to problems that divide people and is a poor guide for decision making. However, he is not completely against empathy; he believes that empathy can motivate kindness to make the world a better place.

Who is the author of Against Empathy?

Paul Bloom is a Canadian American psychologist. He is the Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor Emeritus of psychology and cognitive science at Yale University and Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto.

What are some key summary points from Against Empathy?

Here are some key points and takeaways from the book:

• Empathy is not necessarily a positive emotion, as it can lead to biased decision-making and a lack of impartiality.
• Rational and detached thinking, rather than empathy, is more effective in solving problems and making fair decisions.
• Empathy can lead to a narrow focus on individuals, rather than considering the greater good for society.
• Empathy can be influenced by factors such as appearance and familiarity, leading to unequal treatment of individuals.
• Compassion, or feeling concern for others and wanting to alleviate their suffering, is a more positive and beneficial emotion than empathy.

Book details

• Print length: 285 pages
• Genre: Psychology, Nonfiction, Philosophy

What are the chapters in Against Empathy?

Chapter 1. Other people’s shoes
Chapter 2. The anatomy of empathy
Chapter 3. Doing good
Chapter 4. The politics of empathy
Chapter 5. Intimacy
Chapter 6. Empathy as the foundation of morality
Chapter 7. Violence and cruelty
Chapter 8. Age of reason

What is a good quote from Against Empathy?

Top Quote:“It’s not that empathy itself automatically leads to kindness. Rather, empathy has to connect to kindness that already exists”. (Meaning) – Against Empathy Quotes, Paul Bloom

What do critics say?

Here’s what one of the prominent reviewers had to say about the book: “Mr. Bloom is undoubtedly right that empathy alone makes for bad policy: While it can motivate us to care, we need reason to help us design and implement policies aimed at reducing suffering.” — Wall Street Journal

* The editor of this summary review made every effort to maintain information accuracy, including any published quotes, chapters, or takeaways. If you’re interested in enhancing your personal growth, I suggest checking out my list of favorite self-development books. These books have been instrumental in my own personal development and I’m confident they can help you too.

Chief Editor

Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.