[RascalPuff]

Originally Posted by Graybeard

Max Beerbohm wrote a book of short stories called 'Seven Men, and Two Others'. One of these stories was called, from memory, as I can't seem to find any definitive reference on the internet, 'Felix Argallo'

This was possibly the most sympathetic character ever created in a work of fiction. Eventually giving his life in order to appease his consciousness of anothers plight.

Apart from the tragedy implied, it is actually a very funny story.

Strong empathy may eventually prove to be a mental disorder .. In its most excessive form it does not seem to fit Natural Selection. It may be that our interference with Natural Selection, and preservation in our societies of unwonted traits may have led to this. What difference is there between 'Compassion for another' and 'Self Appeasement of one's own mind'. One is 'selfless' and one is 'selfish'. But who can divine the true cause of any act ?

However, the ability to 'truly' put oneself in anothers shoes is possibly mankinds only outstanding weapon in the search for global integration.

cool bananas ... greg

(ps: sometimes even I think I talk a lot of shit)

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IMO, very well spoken, Greg.
Do you happen to be familiar with Ayn Rand's book, 'The Virtues of Selfishness'.?

Regards,
- RP