Moralizing vs. Compassion

[robvalue]

I think it is possible to genuinely care about something, yet be able to mentally operate as if such a problem doesn't exist and to do nothing about it. The human brain is incredibly good at cognitive dissidence. It's kind of an essential evolutionary trait, to be able to "block" things from your mind, at least temporarily. If it wasn't for that, anyone with any empathy wouldn't be able to function under the crushing amount of suffering going on in the world.

So to be able to operate, we block things out to some extent. This can lead to us doing nothing about the problem we really do care about, or even adding to that problem.

The above isn't supposed to be an excuse, but rather an explanation. I totally agree that thoughts alone do not help anyone. But they do help spread a general message of caring, which is very important. Actions speak much louder when setting an example, and it's actions which make a difference in the end. I too am very frustrated by people who say they care about certain issues but don't take even the slightest step to do anything about it, even when such opportunity easily presents itself.