Quote to think about.

[Ronin13]

"and the unlimited capacity to empathize with, feel for, care, and love one's brothers and sisters" - I'm leaving this together as a complete thought, although it could be divided, I'm sure.... firstly, all aspects of being human are confined by limitations... we do not have the unlimited capacity for anything. Think about that for a minute if you believe an example of unlimited capacity for something exists. Does it really? Under any circumstance? Please reply and convince me... Empathizing with others is very natural, and is far easier toward those we "feel for, care, and love". ie. Family and friends, those we can relate to, our neighbors and colleagues, anyone we have something in common with or recognizable circumstances, that they cannot control... We empathize as civilized people. I believe that is innate. In times of turmoil or emergency, a lot of people still come together to the aid of others. Nevertheless, action from that empathy is sorely lacking. All this being said, with the previously alluded to "separation and subversion" being present, and the complete lack of an overarching culture that we can all be proud of, the typical American does not feel that everyone around them is their "brother and sister", anymore.

I think to expound upon this quote, and to further criticize the Gayle quote, I refer to Ayn Rand's theory of "The Virtue of Selfishness." First, a word of warning, if you know nothing of the Virtue of Selfishness, don't chime in, those who don't know will see "selfishness" in the negative connotation, and that is not what Rand is talking about. In Rand's virtue theory, no person should ever be forced to be charitable, it should only be voluntary, it can only be voluntary. Otherwise, the taking from another and giving to someone less fortunate (by their own doing or otherwise) is nothing short of theft. Rand would see today's welfare issue as being the cornerstone of a loss of liberty and the best cut and dry evidence of government theft of their own people. Yes, it is impossible to have unlimited capacity for anything, but to further drive this idea home empathy cannot be shared unless one is in a position to. This goes with the virtue of selfishness, the key is that one cannot help another if they themselves require help. Action from empathy, care, feelings, or love must be completely voluntary, not required. If I do not wish to care for another person, I am not required to. If I do not wish to love another person, again, there is no obligation to. To force upon people these things and not allowing them to do so voluntarily, is worse than refusal to care, love, feel, or empathize when it is justified.