Able Quote by Gore Vidal
“It is notable how little empathy is cultivated or valued in our society. I put this down to our traditional racism and obsessive sectarianism. Even so, one would think that we would be encouraged to project ourselves into the character of someone of a different race or class, if only to be able to control him. But no effort is made.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Last Empire, 1995
The quote criticizes society’s neglect of empathy, linking it to racism and sectarianism, and notes the lack of effort to understand others.
In simple terms: Society ignores empathy, driven by racism and division.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate empathy across differences.
Themes
empathy
racism
division
social responsibility
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
ethical
When to use this quote
- education reform
- community dialogue
- diversity training
- media representation
Key Concepts
psychology
social dynamics
ethical philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we encourage genuine perspective‑taking?
- What structures reinforce our lack of empathy?
A Different Perspective
Empathy alone cannot erase deep systemic inequities.
