The author is right -- too much of others' grief and we overload so badly we can't live our own lives. I know this from hard experience -- I've been intensely psychic since at least as far back as age 2, and it's broadband as well as tunable. The broadband aspect isn't really under my control. You want to know what 9/11 was really like? Don't ask! I cried non-stop for weeks, others' grief pouring through me in a flood-tide. Not good. There has to be a balance between our caring for others and our getting through our lives the best we can. Too little empathy makes for a sociopath -- but too much makes for a basket-case.
I've been dealing with an excess of empathy all my life. Remember when I once told you I was too nice? Yeah, back when I was younger it only ended up hurting me.
That said...
Going too far the opposite direction can be just as harmful. And it's a harm that doesn't hit just you, but those you come into contact with.
The trick, I think, is finding a good balance for you, your situation in life, and the people that you interact with on a daily basis.
I wrote once here about an essay I once read on Monkeyspheres, this isn't too far off. I wonder if that essay's still out there...
Comments 3
I liked it. Not much to say on it because I'm just waking up, but it is pretty interesting.
Reply
Reply
That said...
Going too far the opposite direction can be just as harmful. And it's a harm that doesn't hit just you, but those you come into contact with.
The trick, I think, is finding a good balance for you, your situation in life, and the people that you interact with on a daily basis.
I wrote once here about an essay I once read on Monkeyspheres, this isn't too far off. I wonder if that essay's still out there...
Reply
Leave a comment