Cruel and Heartless

“Have you ever hurt someone you love despite yourself?” asks Gurumin, the Shape of Empathy, to the Espers gathered for today’s discussion.

“When I’m upset, I sometimes say things I don’t truly mean,” replies a young Esper.

“Under the influence of strong emotions, we are indeed sometimes led to lose control of our actions—even with those we cherish.”

“So imagine how it is with strangers. Or even with Espers of another element, who were in conflict until recently. Isn’t it even easier to give in to cruelty and to be heartless toward them?”

“When we are not aware of our actions, it is our Inner Shadow that speaks for us. It is neither bad nor good, but it acts spontaneously, according to the principles you have unknowingly taught it in your daily life.”

“That is why consciously choosing to act with compassion on a regular basis will gradually allow us to respond with empathy—even when it is our Shadow speaking for us.”