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You’re more likely to help someone dying of hunger at your feet than someone dying of hunger in another country. How does this human trait of morality dependent on distance shape our world?

Because people like Trump keep the money. Some charities are run by sociopaths who have no morals and no conscience, and no care.

Stoic Teacher
3 min readSep 2, 2022
woman sitting on brown rock
Photo by Jesse Bowser on Unsplash

The human trait of morality being dependent on distance, also known as the “geography of compassion,” can have significant impacts on our world. When we perceive people who are suffering as being distant or disconnected from us, we may feel less motivated to help them, and may prioritize the needs of those who are closer to us.

This can lead to a range of social and economic inequalities, as well as geopolitical conflicts, as different groups compete for resources and influence. It can also create a sense of alienation and disconnection from people who are different from us, reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices that can perpetuate inequality and discrimination.

From a Stoic perspective, this geography of compassion is ultimately a manifestation of our own limited perspectives and biases, and can be overcome by cultivating a sense of empathy and compassion towards…

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Stoic Teacher
Stoic Teacher

Written by Stoic Teacher

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