Western civilization is facing a serious threat, according to author and scholar Gad Saad. In his new book, “Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind,” Saad argues that Western society has taken empathy to a dangerous extreme by valuing ideological virtue-signaling over truth and common sense.

Saad says, “Empathy isn’t inherently negative. However, as Aristotle noted long ago, all good things require moderation.” He explains that lacking empathy might signal a psychopathic nature, while excessive empathy that is misdirected can lead to what he calls “suicidal empathy.”

Example of Misguided Empathy

Saad highlights the West’s reaction following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel as an example of this phenomenon. He notes that initial sympathy for Israeli victims quickly shifted to criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

You might have expected global empathy toward Jews after witnessing the massacre of 1,200 mainly Jewish people, marking the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. Instead, October 7th soon faded from memory.

Historical Context

For Saad, the backlash against Israel reflects decades-long ideological shifts in the West. He suggests misplaced empathy has evolved into “civilizational seppuku,” referring to ritual suicide historically practiced by Japanese samurai.

Saad believes ideas originating in university settings have influenced politics, media, and culture. This leads to discomfort with objective definitions of fundamental concepts, such as gender.

When asked what a woman is, failing to answer demonstrates how society has become disconnected from basic truths.

Personal Experience

Saad, who is Jewish, was born in Lebanon and fled the civil war in 1975, eventually settling in Canada. He recalls not experiencing significant antisemitism there until 1998, noting an alarming increase since then.

While serving as a professor at Concordia University, Saad decided to take a leave in 2024 due to rising tensions and hostility on campus.

Allowing open, genocidal hatred against any group never ends well.

Current Role and Outlook

Saad is now at the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom at the University of Mississippi and will become a distinguished professor next year.

He emphasizes that despite backlash against DEI and gender theories, cultural change is slow, and long-term effort is required. Many academics still fear speaking out, with Saad receiving emails from supportive professors who request anonymity.

Their reluctance to stand publicly reveals that few are ready to battle these ideas actively.