"There are those who like to have the appearance of empathy, but they don’t have the reality of empathy. Those who are pro war have the appearance of empathy, but they’re hypocrites and liars. If you want the reality of empathy, we must stop the senseless every day death that last forever.
That’s what true empathy is. We should care about those men that are dying in the trenches in Ukraine and Russia who didn’t want to be there; they were conscripted. They were forced to be there. They were forced to kill each other. "
Video:
Elon Musk on Empathy for Criminals vs. Victims and Shifting Political Views | 2024
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/f7V9eV1cf0w
and so if you simply have and I believe one should have deep empathy to say like what is the greater good for society um is it better to incarcerate Violent criminals and prevent them from hurting people or to let them loose and allow those people to be hurt and I think the latter is much
Shallow Empathy, empathy for the criminals and not for the victums.
Elon Musk Says He Is So Sorry for His Horrible Behavior "In retrospect, it lacked empathy."
"Milei gave me the chainsaw backstage and I ran with it, but, in retrospect, it lacked empathy," he wrote.
Joe Rogan Experience #2281 - Suicidal Empathy
Musk: (references Gad Saad,) "And he talks about, you know, basically suicidal empathy. Like, if there's, like, there's so much empathy that you actually suicide yourself, yeah, so that we've got civilizational suicidal empathy going on. And it's like, I believe in empathy, like I think you should care about other people, but you need to have empathy for civilization as a whole, and not commit to a civilizational suicide.
Rogan: "don't let someone use your empathy against you so they can completely control your state and then do it insanely bad job of managing it and never get removed."
Musk: There's the fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy. The Empathy exploit. It's they're exploiting a bug in western civilization, which is the empathy response. So, and I think, you know, empathy is good, but you need to think it through and not just be
Rogan: programmed like a robot, right? Understand when empathy has been actually used as a tool, a tool. Yes,
Rogan: it's weaponized empathy. Yeah, is the issue? Yeah, weaponized empathy and, yeah, and
CNN: Elon Musk wants to save Western civilization from empathy
"“We’ve got civilizational suicidal empathy going on,” Musk said, borrowing the term from Gad Saad, a Canadian scholar who is also a frequent Rogan host.
While Musk said he believes in empathy and that “you should care about other people,” he also thinks it’s destroying society.
“The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy, the empathy exploit,” Musk said. “There it’s they’re exploiting a bug in Western civilization, which is the empathy response.”
Empathy, he said, has been “weaponized.”"
Give me a report on what Elon Musk thinks about Empathy?
Based on available information, including statements from interviews, podcasts, and posts on X, Elon Musk’s thoughts on empathy reveal a nuanced and multifaceted perspective. He does not reject empathy outright but views it as a quality that must be carefully balanced with rationality and pragmatism, particularly when it comes to its societal implications. Below is a report summarizing his stance, drawing from various sources and sentiments expressed over time.
Musk’s General View on Empathy
Elon Musk has expressed a belief that empathy is a valuable human trait but one that can become problematic when misapplied or taken to extremes. He distinguishes between what he calls "shallow empathy" and "deep empathy," suggesting that the former can lead to misguided decisions, while the latter reflects a more thoughtful consideration of broader consequences. For instance, in posts on X, Musk has argued that "shallow empathy is caring about criminals" while "deep empathy is caring about the victims of criminals," indicating that he prioritizes empathy directed toward those harmed over those who cause harm.
In a broader context, Musk has suggested that empathy should not override practical considerations or strength. In a post responding to Gad Saad in March 2024, he wrote, "A future with more empathy would be wonderful, but this can only be done from a position of strength. If the weak favor empathy, but the strong do not, the weak will be enslaved or killed," referencing the historical example of the pacifist Moriori. This highlights his view that empathy, while desirable, must be tempered by a realistic assessment of power dynamics and survival.
Empathy as a Societal Weakness
Musk has been vocal about his concerns regarding empathy as a potential liability for Western civilization, a theme he expanded on during a February 2025 interview with Joe Rogan. He described empathy as "the fundamental weakness of Western civilization," particularly when it is "exploited" or weaponized for political purposes. He tied this to his belief in a conspiracy theory that Democrats are using empathy to garner support for policies—such as leniency toward undocumented immigrants—that he claims threaten societal stability. He labeled this "civilizational suicidal empathy," borrowing a term from Gad Saad, and argued that excessive empathy can undermine a society’s ability to protect itself.
This perspective aligns with Musk’s broader critique of policies he perceives as prioritizing individual compassion over collective well-being. For example, he has pointed to California’s provision of medical insurance to undocumented immigrants as an instance where empathy for individuals comes at the expense of the greater good, stating in the Rogan interview, "We’ve got civilizational suicidal empathy going on."
Empathy in Personal and Leadership Contexts
Observations from those close to Musk, including his biographer Walter Isaacson and his brother Kimbal Musk, suggest that empathy is not his natural strength on an interpersonal level. Isaacson, who shadowed Musk for three years, noted in a 2023 CNBC interview that Musk "does not have a fingertip feel for empathy, emotions," contrasting this with his exceptional engineering abilities. Isaacson further described Musk as having "more empathy for humanity in general than he often has for the 20 people around him," indicating a disconnect between Musk’s abstract care for humanity’s future and his interactions with individuals.
Kimbal Musk echoed this in a 2021 Time magazine interview, calling Elon a business "savant" but adding, "his gift is not empathy with people." This is reflected in accounts of Musk’s leadership style, where he is described as demanding and sometimes dismissive of individual concerns—such as firing employees abruptly or pushing teams to extremes—while pursuing grand goals like saving humanity through Tesla, SpaceX, or Twitter.
Empathy in Specific Scenarios
Musk has applied his views on empathy to specific issues, notably immigration and criminal justice:
Immigration: In an August 2024 X post, Musk stated that empathy toward immigrants with "antithetical and intransigent beliefs" could lead to "civilizational suicide," suggesting that unchecked empathy in this context is a strategic error.
Criminal Justice: He has repeatedly criticized what he sees as excessive empathy for criminals, arguing in posts on X that "there’s a lack of empathy for the victims of criminals and too much empathy for the criminals." He believes this imbalance leads to policies—like releasing repeat violent offenders—that harm society.
Musk’s Self-Perception and Neurodiversity
Musk’s perspective on empathy may be influenced by his self-disclosed diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, a condition on the autism spectrum that can affect social and emotional processing. While he has not directly linked this to his views on empathy, it has been cited by others—like biographer Ashlee Vance—as a possible factor in his "weirdest kind of empathy," where he cares deeply about humanity’s survival (e.g., colonizing Mars) but struggles with interpersonal emotional connection.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s thoughts on empathy are complex and context-dependent. He values empathy as a concept—particularly when directed toward humanity as a whole or victims of harm—but warns against its overuse or misapplication in ways that he believes weaken society. He sees it as a potential exploit, especially in political or cultural contexts, and prioritizes rational decision-making and strength over unbridled compassion. Personally, Musk is described as lacking natural interpersonal empathy, a trait that aligns with his intense focus on ambitious, world-changing goals rather than individual relationships. His stance reflects a blend of philosophical critique, pragmatic leadership, and personal disposition, shaped by his experiences and worldview as of March 7, 2025.
Elon Musk has some strong opinions on empathy, particularly its role in society. During a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Musk expressed his belief that empathy, while important, can be detrimental to Western civilization when taken to extremes. He referred to this as "civilizational suicidal empathy". Musk argued that empathy for individuals can be costly to the collective and that it has been "weaponized" to exploit a perceived weakness in Western civilization.
Musk's views on empathy are part of a broader perspective on societal and governmental issues. He has been critical of various government programs and policies, suggesting that they often prioritize empathy at the expense of efficiency and effectiveness. Despite his criticisms, Musk has also acknowledged the importance of caring for others, but he believes that empathy should be balanced with practicality and long-term thinking.
It's worth noting that Musk's views on empathy have sparked considerable debate and discussion, reflecting the complexity and nuance of this topic.
: [MSN](https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/news/elon-musk-wants-to-save-western-civilization-from-empathy/ar-AA1Akumj)
: [Politico](https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/elon-musk-joe-rogan-interview-023484)
Elon Musk's perspective on empathy is multifaceted, reflecting both his personal beliefs and leadership style.
Empathy in Leadership:
Musk has demonstrated empathy toward his employees, particularly concerning workplace safety. In a notable email addressing injury rates at Tesla factories, he expressed deep concern for his team's well-being:
"No words can express how much I care about your safety and wellbeing. It breaks my heart when someone is injured building cars and doing their best to make Tesla successful."
However, some critiques suggest that Musk's approach to empathy in leadership may be inconsistent. For instance, during significant layoffs at Twitter, observers noted a perceived lack of empathetic communication, highlighting the complexities in his leadership style.
Personal Reflections on Empathy:
Musk has shared insights distinguishing between "shallow" and "deep" empathy. He argues that society often misplaces empathy, focusing more on perpetrators than victims:
"We need to have empathy that is deep, not shallow. Shallow empathy is caring about criminals; deep empathy is caring about the victims of criminals."
This perspective emphasizes prioritizing the well-being of victims over offenders.
Biographical Observations:
Biographer Walter Isaacson, who spent three years observing Musk, noted that while Musk possesses exceptional engineering skills, he may lack a natural inclination toward empathy:
"I think that he does not have a fingertip feel for, you know, empathy, emotions."
This observation suggests that Musk's empathetic responses might be more intellectual than instinctual.
Conclusion:
Elon Musk's views on empathy are complex. He has shown concern for employee welfare and advocates for a deeper societal empathy that prioritizes victims. However, critiques and biographical accounts indicate that his empathetic engagement may vary, reflecting a balance between his analytical mindset and emotional intelligence.
For a deeper insight into Musk's thoughts on empathy, you might find this video informative:
Summary of Elon Musk's View on Empathy
Elon Musk's perspective on empathy, as expressed in his February 28, 2025, interview on The Joe Rogan Experience and in various X posts, centers on the idea that empathy, while a positive trait in moderation, can be a "fundamental weakness" of Western civilization when it is exploited or misdirected. He argues that excessive empathy—termed "civilizational suicidal empathy"—can harm society by allowing bad actors to manipulate compassionate instincts for their own gain, potentially undermining the collective good. Below is a detailed exploration of his view, its context, and the reactions it has sparked, based on available sources.
Musk's Core Argument
Musk's statements on empathy, particularly from his conversation with Joe Rogan, revolve around the concept of "weaponized empathy" and "suicidal empathy," which he attributes to Canadian marketing professor Gad Saad. His key points include:
Empathy as a "Bug" in Western Civilization:
Musk describes empathy as an "empathy exploit," suggesting it is a vulnerability that can be manipulated by those with ulterior motives. He stated, "The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy. The empathy exploit—they’re exploiting a bug in Western civilization, which is the empathy response."
He argues that excessive empathy leads to decisions that prioritize individual or group needs at the expense of broader societal stability, potentially leading to "civilizational suicide." For example, he referenced California's policy of providing medical insurance to undocumented immigrants as an instance of misguided empathy that could strain resources.
Balancing Empathy for Individuals and Civilization:
Musk clarifies that he is not entirely against empathy, stating, "I believe in empathy, like, I think you should care about other people, but you need to have empathy for civilization as a whole, and not commit to a civilizational suicide."
He suggests that empathy should be tempered with rational thinking to avoid being "programmed like a robot" by emotional manipulation. This includes critically assessing policies or actions driven by empathetic appeals to ensure they align with long-term societal benefits.
Context of Political and Social Critique:
Musk's comments were made in the context of discussing policies like voter ID laws and immigration, where he expressed concerns about Democrats allegedly exploiting empathy to gain political power by legalizing undocumented immigrants in swing states. He claimed this could shift political balances permanently, framing it as a threat to democracy.
His role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at cutting government spending by $1 trillion or more, aligns with his view that empathetic policies (e.g., social welfare programs) can lead to inefficiency and fiscal irresponsibility.
Personal Leadership Style:
Musk's biographer, Walter Isaacson, notes that Musk exhibits "more empathy for humanity in general than he often has for the 20 people around him." This is reflected in his leadership at Tesla, SpaceX, and X, where he is described as quick to fire employees and prioritize mission-driven goals over individual well-being.
His critique of empathy extends to his management philosophy, where he views emotional considerations as potential obstacles to efficiency and progress.
X Posts Reflecting His View:
In a June 29, 2025, X post, Musk wrote, "If you spare the wolf, you sacrifice the sheep. Sparing the wolf is shallow, not deep, empathy," suggesting that prioritizing certain groups (the "wolf") out of empathy can harm others (the "sheep").
On July 1, 2025, he acknowledged a lack of empathy in a previous action, stating, "Milei gave me the chainsaw backstage and I ran with it, but, in retrospect, it lacked empathy," indicating some self-awareness of his approach.
On July 7, 2025, Musk commented on AI safety, linking it to truth-seeking and suggesting that forcing AI to be overly compliant (akin to excessive empathy) could lead to undesirable outcomes, indirectly tying his empathy critique to technological development.
Context and Influences
Musk's views on empathy are shaped by several factors:
Gad Saad's Influence: Musk credits the concept of "suicidal empathy" to Gad Saad, a Canadian scholar who argues that excessive compassion can weaken societal structures. Saad's work, which Musk references, frames empathy as a trait that can be exploited by those who do not reciprocate it, particularly in cultural or political contexts.
Political Alignment: Musk's statements align with a broader right-wing critique of empathy, which some conservative figures label as "toxic" or manipulative when used to push progressive policies. This is evident in works like Allie Beth Stuckey's Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion and Joe Rigney's The Sin of Empathy, which argue that empathy can be weaponized to coerce support for policies that conservatives oppose.
DOGE and Government Efficiency: Musk's leadership of DOGE, aimed at slashing federal spending, reflects his belief that empathetic policies (e.g., social security, foreign aid) can lead to inefficiency. His comments on empathy are tied to his broader agenda of reducing government size, which he sees as bloated due to compassionate but unsustainable programs.
Cultural and Philosophical Stance: Musk's critique of empathy resonates with neoliberal and pronatalist ideologies that prioritize collective or long-term goals over individual suffering. He views empathy as potentially detrimental when it leads to short-sighted decisions that harm civilization's progress, such as his focus on making humanity interplanetary or advancing technological innovation.
Reactions and Critiques
Musk's statements have sparked significant debate, with varied reactions across X and web sources:
Support for Musk's View:
Some X users and commentators agree with Musk, arguing that empathy can be exploited by bad actors. For instance, an X post from
@MarioNawfal
on June 12, 2025, quoted Musk saying, "Empathy is good, but you need to think it through and not just be programmed like a robot," emphasizing the need for rational balance.
On Reddit, a user defended Musk, stating, "He was clear, 'empathy is good'… it is when bad actors EXPLOIT your empathy against your own best interests, that it can become a problem," clarifying that Musk targets weaponized empathy rather than empathy itself.
Criticism and Opposition:
Critics argue that Musk's view dismisses empathy's role in human connection and societal progress. A Canadian social psychologist in Broadview Magazine refuted Musk's claim, citing studies showing that empathy is not uniquely high in Western civilization and that it does not inherently harm society. They noted that empathy can be biased but is essential for moral decision-making.
The New York Times contrasted Musk with Valentino Achak Deng, a Sudanese refugee who embodies empathy, arguing that Musk's disdain for it ignores its role in fostering resilience and community.
Christian commentators, such as George Demacopoulos in Public Orthodoxy, defended empathy as a core Christian virtue, citing Jesus's teachings and the parable of the Good Samaritan. They argue that Musk's view undermines the moral foundation of civilization.
The Guardian and Truthout labeled Musk's stance as part of a "far-right anti-empathy revolution," accusing him of weaponizing animus to justify cuts to humanitarian programs and dehumanizing policies.
An X post by
@DisavowTrump20
on March 5, 2025, stated, "Without empathy, we are not humans. Or even worse: we’re monsters," reflecting strong sentiment against Musk's perspective.
Nuanced Perspectives:
Some sources acknowledge Musk's point about empathy's potential for manipulation but argue it is not inherently a weakness. Psychiatric Times noted that empathy, when coupled with compassion and practical knowledge, is vital in fields like psychiatry but can be misused by sociopaths or politicians.
North Valley Therapy emphasized that empathy is the foundation of relationships and societal resilience, arguing that Musk's view overlooks the balance between empathy and boundaries.
Bluesky Thinking cited research showing that empathetic leadership enhances productivity, contradicting Musk's authoritarian style and suggesting that his dismissal of empathy is counterproductive in workplace settings.
Hypocrisy Allegations:
An NC Newsline article criticized Musk for hypocrisy, noting that he complained about a lack of empathy from Democrats after facing protests, despite his own anti-empathy stance. The author sarcastically remarked, "You, who spurns empathy and calls people who receive ANY kind of federal assistance 'parasites' – PARASITES!!! – are teary about OUR lack of empathy?"
Broader Implications
Musk's view on empathy has significant implications for his actions and public perception:
Policy Influence: As a key advisor to President Donald Trump and leader of DOGE, Musk's skepticism of empathy informs his push to cut social programs, foreign aid, and government spending. Critics argue this could exacerbate inequality and harm vulnerable populations, as seen in his reported dismantling of USAID programs.
Cultural Impact: Musk's rhetoric contributes to a growing anti-empathy narrative on the political right, aligning with figures who frame empathy as a tool of manipulation. This could polarize discussions on compassion-driven policies, such as immigration or welfare reform.
Leadership and AI Development: Musk's comments on AI safety, linking excessive compliance to empathy-like manipulation, suggest that his views on empathy extend to his work at xAI and X. He argues that forcing AI to lie or be overly compliant could lead to dangerous outcomes, reflecting his broader philosophy of prioritizing truth and rationality over emotional responses.
Public Perception: Musk's statements have fueled accusations of callousness, with some labeling him as "inhuman" or aligning his views with extreme ideologies. However, supporters see his stance as a pragmatic call to prioritize long-term societal survival over short-term emotional appeals.
Critical Analysis
Musk's perspective on empathy is not a blanket rejection but a call for discernment, emphasizing that unchecked empathy can be exploited to the detriment of society. His examples, like immigration policies or government spending, reflect a utilitarian approach, prioritizing what he sees as the collective good. However, critics argue that this view oversimplifies empathy's role in fostering cooperation and moral progress, as evidenced by anthropological findings like Margaret Mead's reference to a healed femur as a sign of civilization.
Musk's critics also point out that his wealth and influence may insulate him from the consequences of reduced empathy in policy-making, potentially leading to decisions that disproportionately harm marginalized groups. His focus on "empathy for civilization" risks abstracting human suffering, as seen in his leadership style, which prioritizes mission-driven goals over individual well-being.
On the other hand, Musk's supporters argue that his critique addresses real issues, such as political manipulation or unsustainable welfare systems, and aligns with a rationalist approach to governance and innovation. The debate highlights a tension between empathy as a human virtue and its potential misuse in complex societal systems.
Conclusion
Elon Musk's view on empathy, as articulated in 2025, portrays it as a double-edged sword: valuable when balanced with rationality but dangerous when exploited or overly prioritized. His statements, rooted in his work with DOGE and his broader philosophical stance, have sparked polarized reactions, with supporters praising his pragmatism and critics decrying his perceived callousness. The debate reflects deeper cultural divides about the role of compassion in governance, leadership, and societal progress.If you'd like me to focus on a specific aspect of Musk's view (e.g., its impact on policy, AI, or public reactions), or if you want me to analyze related X posts further, let me know!