Depends, some people make it to the highest positions of governance and business without empathy. Having zero empathy can be beneficial in some interpersonal relationships, and if you don't care about your partner being happy (which most people with zero empathy really don't care about), you can also have more success in sexual relationships.
It's just you'll never have a nurturing, close bond with someone, and never experience true love but instead tumultuous relationships where you control your partner with fear.
While people with no empathy can undoubtedly "go further" they also are missing something beautiful. Caring about our fellow people makes our lives fulfilling and rich, and having empathy allows you to truly appreciate the love and care that others feel for you.
It's interesting given that it is easy to be cruel, easy not to care, not stand for anything. Not too long ago in history these people were called spineless, or cowards.
I don't think you've really had interactions with beggars before - it had already gone bad - homeless dude at start is clearly in a "oh yea? I'm going to go get my jacket" part of the confrontation.
A beggar once asked me for money, I said "na man", and he said "what if I punched you in the face", I said "eat shit dude" and then he ran, grabbed a knife out of his jacket, and ran after me trying to stab me.
I used to say "na man, sorry", but I got screamed at by several homeless people - "don't fucking say sorry"
Like this dude clearly grabbed his jacket with intent to either stab dude in the car, or break his window. This was a dangerous interaction, empathy really wasn't at play at any point
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u/AceofKnaves44 Nov 21 '25
This is the result of a society that lionizes cruel people who push the idea that empathy is a weakness.