Empathy, he argues, is “a poor moral guide" in almost all realms of life, whether it’s public policy, private charity or interpersonal relationships. “Empathy is biased, pushing us in the direction of parochialism and racism," he writes. Offended? He’s just warming up. “It is innumerate," he continues, “favoring the one over the many. It can spark violence; our empathy for those close to us is a powerful force for war and atrocity toward others."