Is there such a thing as too much empathy?

Is there such a thing as too much empathy?

June 17, 2026 · 36 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of empathy on society with Gad Saad, focusing on his book 'Suicidal Empathy'.

Is empathy destroying the West? That's the provocative claim at the center of Gad Saad's new book, "Suicidal Empathy." Host Megan McArdle is joined by Saad, a professor at the University of Mississippi, to discuss the trade-offs societies make in the name of compassion and whether America has the capacity to absorb differences. Subscribe to The Washington Post here .

People in this episode

Host: Megan McArdle

Guest: Gad Saad

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Mississippi

Books & works: Suicidal Empathy

Places: America, West

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