Zero Empathy

 Empathy Quotient (I am calling this EQ) is how much we can empathise with and value others. This can be measured, in how much time we talk about ourselves, and how much we allow others to talk. IQ is what people claim for themselves. EQ is what people do for others. We all have IQ and EQ, more or less.

 We assume that we have a certain IQ, and that’s it. Being told ‘that’s it’ can put a damper on any development, but it needn’t. That is how those of a supposedly high IQ think, but we can improve our IQ. EQ is something we can definitely develop with the right frame of mind – or rather, heart. EQ plus IQ is a spiritual quotient…SQ!

 When we experience something, we use a certain capacity, which could depend on our IQ. When it comes to dealing with someone else who experiences the same situation, our IQ must feel its way in order to understand the other person’s IQ: that is EQ. Otherwise, we could be talking over their heads (which is very annoying). There is no point in saying I feel fine, when someone else obviously does not. That is not EQ, that’s arrogance, and typical of IQ with little EQ.

 The space between people is interesting. EQ can bring us together. Lack of empathy pushes us apart, as does IQ, which can dominate and can even be seen as ‘mugging’ this space and ignoring the other person. Numerous documentaries illustrate when empathy is lacking altogether with people in authority, using mental, emotional or physical abuse to dominate and control others. More insidiously, there are those with the intention of causing others to act in such ways for them, so that they take the blame. We see this all too often, by the powers behind politics…but we are not supposed to see it!

 Zero empathy is not caring at all about what others feel. This leads us back to Reptilian brain – fight, flight or freeze. Reptilian brain makes us either attack others, turn away from their suffering, or not know what to do. This is zero empathy, and zero intelligence.

 When it come to obvious ‘evil’ acts, these are no different. We can either commit a horrendous ‘evil’ act, turn a blind eye to evil acts, or be indifferent, not knowing what action to take.

 On a lesser scale, we can be aggressive to others, avoid others or totally ignore others. It may be the lesser ‘evil’ but it is still on the same chart!

 Sometimes we can have a lot of EQ but little IQ. Here we may have the wish to help, but do not know how. If IQ is used with EQ, compassion must arise, more or less.

To be a decent human being,
we need Intelligence, Compassion and Experience.
When these come together we get SQ;
Spiritual Quotient.

SQ is not just empathy.
have a complete understanding,
and know the cause of suffering, and how to deal with it.
There is common sense…
and there is uncommon sense.

Have a little
IQ+EQ+SQ = LOVE

It’s a good equation.