2025-06-12
Apathy, something felt often by me and many. I don't find it to be a bad feeling usually; the avoidance of pain or displeasure seems more important than the seeking of pleasure. To that end, apathy seems a fine thing. However, too much apathy is probably the same as displeasure. If that's the case, when does apathy turn to displeasure?
The answer to that question seems to be when such apathy entails a lack of regard for the practical self. As I believe human motivation is always selfish, that means not doing the thing that you should. Maybe you could argue more apathy is the solution in this case. If not caring means you start caring, then... stop caring? Certainly not an approach that is recommended, but I don't believe in a correct way to live.
Apathy is a solution to many of life's problems and the cause of probably just as many. If only they cared enough to do something, if only they stopped caring about that person. Generally I think being on the apathetic side is a virtue, seeming consistent, less prone to disruption. The antonym I would use for "apathy" is "neurotic".
Apathy is a method I use to deal with the world; it's a way to protect oneself. If I start to care about something too much, to a point it might give me displeasure, I use this tool to distance myself. As mentioned, an overreliance on this isn't good, yet I think the alternative is often worse. It's a way to find peace with the day-to-day. There is virtue in apathy.