I can think of several individuals and small intimate groups where in all probability I will feel a strong measure of compassion that leads to action. With large groups, not to mention nation states, a compelling empathy is much harder to come by. This is due not so much to callousness as to the necessity within the human mind for empathy to be aroused by imagery and relationship. An image is inherently more powerful if it relates to someone close to me. Leaders often use compelling anecdotal cases to establish relationship and to bring imagery home. Transformative leaders like MLK use incantations of widely shared dynamic cultural symbols to surpass the arousal and commitment of physical intimacy itself.
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