Author Says Excessive Empathy Threatens Western Civilization

Author and scholar Gad Saad states that Western civilization faces collapse from what he terms "suicidal empathy," where compassion overrides truth and common sense. In his book "Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind," he argues that ideological priorities have displaced objective standards in politics, media, and culture.

Saad points to the shift in public sympathy after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks as one example. He notes that initial support for Israeli victims gave way to criticism of Israel's military response in Gaza, saying the massacre of 1,200 people was quickly set aside.

Saad also cites discomfort with basic definitions such as gender. He refers to a 2022 confirmation hearing exchange in which a nominee declined to define the word "woman," stating she was not a biologist. He links these trends to university environments where open discussion has become restricted.

Saad, who took a leave of absence from Concordia University in 2024, said rising antisemitism made it difficult for an outspoken Jewish professor to work on campus.

Saad acknowledges that the 2024 election of President Donald Trump altered some policy momentum around diversity programs and gender theory. He cautions, however, that lasting cultural change requires sustained effort beyond any single administration.

He reports receiving more private messages of support from professors but notes many request anonymity, indicating continued reluctance to speak publicly.