Tech Won't Save Us The Roots of Elon Musk’s War On Empathy w/ Julia Carrie Wong
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May 8, 2025 Julia Carrie Wong, a features writer at The Guardian, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about Elon Musk's controversial views on empathy. They explore the ties between Musk's stance and the embrace of Christian nationalism in tech culture. Wong highlights how empathy has been reframed as a threat to civilization, especially in the context of leadership and societal values. The conversation critically examines the implications of a declining empathetic culture and its impact on social justice, dehumanization, and the moral compass of America.
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Musk's Anti-Empathy Origins
- Elon Musk's rejection of empathy comes from right-wing ideology, not isolated thought.
- He promotes the idea that empathy harms civilization and justifies hurting others.
Musk's Self-Focused Interview
- Julia Carrie Wong interviewed Elon Musk about worker injuries at Tesla.
- Musk responded with self-focus, showing a lack of genuine empathy for workers.
Empathy as a Modern Concept
- Empathy is a modern concept emerging in late 19th century aesthetics.
- Christian right opposes empathy as a new, strange idea different from biblical compassion.