Literature's Incremental Shifts Toward Empathy and Understanding

The celebrated author George Saunders, often lauded as a "teacher of kindness," reveals in a recent conversation that the path to genuine empathy is far from simple, fraught with personal fallibility and systemic complexities that challenge conventional notions of judgment and personal responsibility. This discussion unpacks the non-obvious implications of striving for kindness in a world driven by often-unseen forces, offering a nuanced perspective for anyone grappling with ethical behavior, artistic integrity, or the pervasive influence of societal structures. Readers seeking a deeper understanding of human motivation beyond surface-level morality will find valuable insights into how art can illuminate, rather than solve, life's most profound questions, and how embracing difficult truths can forge a more resilient inner compass.

The Uncomfortable Truth of "Being Good"

George Saunders, a figure often cast as a secular saint of kindness, pushes back against this simplistic portrayal, arguing that the pursuit of genuine empathy is an arduous, lifelong struggle rather than an inherent state of being. His new novel, Vigil, delves into this complexity by presenting characters who embody opposing views on personal responsibility and judgment, particularly in the face of actions that cause significant harm, such as downplaying climate change. Saunders suggests that true judgment might not come from external forces but from an internal alignment with truth, a concept he explores through the lens of his own writing process.

"A work of art doesn't have to solve a problem; it just has to formulate it correctly."

This framing is crucial. Saunders isn't interested in providing easy answers but in elevating the questions themselves. He posits that the act of writing, when done with deep engagement, allows for a profound exploration of character that can transcend simple like or dislike. By delving into the motivations and experiences of even detestable characters, the writer can achieve a form of empathy that negates judgment, revealing the shared humanity beneath flawed actions. This process, he explains, can lead to a "rarefied communication" that inspires increased empathy, engagement, and patience in both the creator and the reader. However, he cautions against mistaking artistic expression for personal virtue, noting that brilliant artists can be deeply flawed individuals, and that the benefits of literature are incremental, not transformative on a grand scale.

The Systemic Roots of Unkindness

Saunders's journey from an Ayn Rand-influenced youth to a proponent of progressive ideals offers a powerful case study in how systemic forces shape individual belief. His epiphany in Singapore, witnessing elderly women clearing construction sites by hand, shattered his belief in pure self-interest and revealed the profound impact of societal structures on individual lives. This realization, he suggests, is often overlooked by those who benefit from the system.

"I think the the number of interactions a day that we now have that have that kind of strange conditionality of impersonality it it skyrocketed and i think it's corrosive that to me is the major through line of my life actually not just the last few years but from 1958 to now i think somehow we're devaluing human to human contact which is really the only thing that there is."

This devaluation of human connection, he argues, is subtly encouraged by corporate interests that prioritize efficiency and profit over genuine interaction. Saunders points to the rise of impersonal communication, such as online comments, as a symptom of this trend, where individuals may express sentiments they would never voice in person. He theorizes that many who engage in harmful actions do not operate from a place of conscious malice but are instead influenced by systems that encourage looking away from difficult truths, often using excuses like "shareholder value" or simply the path of least resistance. This mental maneuver--knowing the right thing to do but choosing otherwise--is, for Saunders, a pervasive issue contributing to societal fragmentation. While he believes that even the most difficult individuals might offer help in a direct encounter, the systemic encouragement of impersonality creates a disconnect that allows for harmful behaviors to persist.

The Long Game of Inner Work

Saunders's practice of Buddhism and his writing process are deeply intertwined, both serving as tools for self-awareness and the cultivation of kindness. He views thoughts as spontaneous occurrences, not definitive aspects of the self, a perspective shared by Buddhist practice. This separation allows for a conscious choice in how one responds to internal states, moving away from reactive grumpiness or anxiety. Meditation, for Saunders, has been life-changing in its ability to create a crucial split-second of awareness, offering the opportunity to choose a different response or thought.

"For me the baby steps I can do meditation and I can do a little writing and then be aware of how inadequate I am for the rest of the day."

He notes that when he has slacked off on meditation, old neuroses resurface, illustrating the ongoing nature of this practice. This inner work, he suggests, fosters a greater tolerance for earnestness and a reduced reliance on snark or sarcasm, qualities that can hinder genuine connection. The challenge, he emphasizes, is not to achieve a permanent state of kindness but to repeatedly step out of self-delusion--the belief in permanence, self-importance, and separateness--even for fleeting moments. This ongoing effort, though incremental, is what he believes truly matters, offering a "way back" from less expansive states of being. The beauty of this process, he finds, is in the gradual refinement of one's inner instrument, leading to altered perceptions and a deeper appreciation for the present moment, even amidst personal struggles.

Key Action Items

• Embrace the "Correct Formulation": Instead of seeking immediate solutions to complex ethical or systemic problems, focus on articulating the problem with greater clarity and depth. This is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix.
• Cultivate the "Split-Second of Choice": Dedicate time daily to practices like meditation or mindful writing that create a pause between stimulus and response. This allows for more intentional and less reactive behavior. (Immediate action, ongoing investment)
• Seek Systemic Understanding: When observing negative behaviors or societal issues, look beyond individual blame to understand the underlying systemic forces at play. (Immediate action)
• Prioritize Human Connection: Actively seek out and value in-person interactions. Resist the temptation of impersonal communication channels when a direct human exchange is possible and more appropriate. (Immediate action)
• Practice "Facile Empathy" Deliberately: Engage with perspectives or individuals you find challenging, not to condone their actions, but to understand their underlying motivations and experiences. This requires sustained effort and may not yield immediate comfort. (Investment: 3-6 months)
• Accept Personal Fallibility: Recognize that striving for kindness does not equate to achieving it perfectly. Acknowledge your own struggles and anxieties as part of the human condition, and use them as fuel for continued effort rather than reasons for despair. (Ongoing investment)
• Reframe "Judgment" as "Understanding": Shift focus from condemning others to deeply understanding their context, behaviors, and the systems that influence them. This process negates simplistic judgment and fosters genuine empathy. (Investment: 12-18 months for deeper integration)