Are you empathetic to others?
2006-09-19 17:39:33 · 10 answers · asked by Yellowstonedogs 7 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Genealogy
Empathy in general is hereditary with a "but" that makes it both. Empathy is a trait that I think everyone is instilled with but it's cultural, which is learned. Take the state of California now. We are taught to care for the well being of others that are born here. But if you are coming here illegally, trying to better your family's life, all empathy goes out of the equation. This goes on throughout the world and throughout history. The catholic church, care for your brothers but not for the muslims. Native Americans were probably the most socially advanced people but still murdered other tribes. The "us or them" survival instinct overrides any empathetical feelings that we may have.
I think that if cultural beliefs are taken out of the equation, that if you and I are the last people alive and you are in dire straights, I would do anything to save you no matter who or what color you are, I will do my damndest to save you, but in our state of reality, cultural stimuli creates a different reality in which we feel some must be sacrificed for our survival.
In the end that may be a completely hereditary trait seeing as two can kill more animals for food and survial than one.
2006-09-19 19:24:12 · answer #1 · answered by youngliver2000 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both and neither. Empathy does seem to run in some families which suggests at least a mild hereditary nature. People who do not have empathetic parents can and do learn how to feel empathy, so it can be learned. Finally, some people are naturally empathetic without having been taught or having empathetic ancestors.
2006-09-20 02:53:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
For some it comes as hereditary but in fact it is not really hereditary but the child learns from the parents behavior. I therefore think it a trait to be learnt.
2006-09-19 17:46:00 · answer #3 · answered by ssmindia 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I try to be but we are all humans, aren't we? Nobody is perfect.
I think it is a trait we learn. If people near you are empathetic to you, you will also tend to reciprocate in the same manner. However, if you are not empathetic to people around you, some may respond to you in the same manner and that's when you learn to be empathetic to others.
2006-09-19 22:22:06 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Parents pass onto their kids their values and beliefs even if they are not aware of it. Children normally "copy" what their parents do and it goes on to the next generation. I can say l'm empathetic most of the time. The world has seen so many bad things going on and one cant help but feel for their sufferings and loneliness.
2006-09-19 18:14:59 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trait
2006-09-19 23:53:27 · answer #6 · answered by tom10926 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both, empathy is learned and taught by parents who are capable of it , hence it is both.
Yes I am very empathetic ... that's why I answered you.
Jonnie
2006-09-19 17:53:07 · answer #7 · answered by Jonnie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know some families where it is definitely not hereditary! I think it may be individual (in the soul or personality) and also due to life experience.
2006-09-19 17:47:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anne R 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Heredity has something to do with it but it is mostly a learned trait due to your environment, upbringing and life experiences.
2006-09-19 19:32:05 · answer #9 · answered by Bethany 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Both.
2006-09-19 17:46:33 · answer #10 · answered by dayzed 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋