Dark Dharma: rant...

The Dhammapada is a Buddhist scripture that distills the complex teachings of the Buddha into concise, crystalline verses. It is part of the Khuddaka Nikaya of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism. The text includes various chapters that cover themes such as earnestness, thought, the nature of the fool and the wise man, and the path to enlightenment. It emphasizes the importance of controlling one's thoughts and actions to achieve happiness and avoid suffering. The verses are traditionally believed to have been spoken by the Buddha on various occasions and are accompanied by commentaries that provide context and stories to illustrate the teachings.

In 'Against Empathy: The Case for Rational Compassion,' Paul Bloom challenges the conventional wisdom that empathy is a moral guide. He argues that empathy, defined as feeling what others feel, is a capricious and irrational emotion that can lead to poor decision-making and even cruelty. Bloom contends that empathy distorts our judgment in various aspects of life, from philanthropy and justice to medical care and education. He advocates for a more distanced compassion based on rational, deliberative reasoning and a utilitarian approach to moral decisions. The book is grounded in scientific findings and explores the limitations and biases of empathy, suggesting that clearer, fairer, and more moral decisions can be made without relying on it.