Death of human empathy

 

This morning, I came across a post on LinkedIn by Martin Dearlove discussing the decline of human empathy, which inspired me to write this reflection. This is my own perspective.

 

Recently, my friend Adam Chin Chee Thau received a letter notifying him to either voluntarily leave his club or face expulsion within seven days. I can relate to his situation, as I experienced something similar in 2017 when I reached out to various Lion members, including Past District Governors, who refused to engage due to a misguided autonomy rule imposed by Lions Club International.

 

One of the stated reasons for Adam's expulsion is "inactive participation in meetings, activities, and projects." This is profoundly unjust. Adam received this notice on Chinese New Year’s Eve. How can anyone celebrate the New Year when faced with such a letter just as they prepare for a family reunion dinner? How can Lion members be so heartless?

 

Now that the deadline for his expulsion has passed, let’s scrutinize the cruelty behind this excuse. Adam is 82 years old. He eagerly attends Lion events and proudly shares photos of himself in his decorated coat. 

He has been nursing knee pain in both his knees for over a decade. He can hardly walk a few steps before he rests and continue his walk. His walking stick converts into a stool to sit while resting. 

Just two days before the last function he attended—the 36th Anniversary of the Lions Club of Kota Kinabalu City—he slipped and fell in his bathroom. Despite being in considerable pain, he still showed up to support the Lions Clubs.

 

The day after the event, the pain intensified, and he went to the hospital. He sent me many photos while waiting for his examination. How can some Lions members be so inhumane? Is a Lion President who acts this way truly suitable to become a Past President or even a Cabinet Secretary for 2025/2026?

 

 

The phrase "Death of Human Empathy" highlights a troubling decline in our ability or willingness to understand and share the feelings of others. It reflects a growing indifference to the suffering of fellow human beings, as seen with the Past District Governors of the Lions Club I have reached out to.

 

The erosion of empathy is a significant indicator of cultural decay, suggesting that a lack of empathy often precedes other negative developments. It points to a society marked by extreme cruelty and a disregard for civilized values. Empathy is essential to moral behavior; without it, individuals are less likely to act in the interest of others and more inclined to prioritize their self-interests, even at the expense of others.

 

I am deeply disappointed by the lack of support and action from the Lions of District 308A2. Is it fair to expel a member who has served commendably for over 50 years simply for seeking a proper election meeting?