Gad Saad, a noted author and scholar, has raised concerns about what he describes as ‘suicidal empathy’ in Western civilization. In his latest book, ‘Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind,’ Saad argues that the West’s prioritization of ideological virtue-signaling over truth and common sense is leading to cultural decay.

Empathy in Moderation

Saad emphasizes that empathy itself is not inherently negative, but warns that when it is misapplied or excessive, it can become detrimental. He references Aristotle’s philosophy of moderation to support his argument, suggesting that empathy must be balanced to avoid negative outcomes.

One example Saad highlights is the global reaction to the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. He notes that initial sympathy for Israeli victims quickly shifted as criticism of Israel’s military response grew, illustrating what he sees as misplaced empathy.

Ideological Shifts

Saad attributes these shifts to ideas that originated on university campuses and have since permeated politics, media, and culture. He argues that this has led to confusion over basic concepts, such as gender, and cites the 2022 confirmation hearing of Justice Katanji Brown Jackson as an example. During the hearing, Jackson declined to define the word ‘woman,’ which Saad criticizes as indicative of a broader cultural issue.

Saad also connects these ideological changes to a rise in antisemitism, noting his personal experiences as a Jewish professor in Canada. He describes an increasing atmosphere of hostility that led him to take a leave of absence from Concordia University in 2024.

Long-Term Cultural Change

Despite some political pushback against these ideologies, Saad emphasizes the need for long-term cultural solutions. He notes that while political landscapes can change rapidly, true cultural transformation requires sustained effort.

Saad’s observations are particularly relevant as he continues his work at the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom at the University of Mississippi. He remains a vocal critic of what he perceives as the moral decay in Western society, urging others to join him in addressing these challenges.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.