Posted by Just like any of our other emotions, for example, envy, there are evolutionary reasons why we’ve evolved the emotion of envy. It can compel us forward. I see that Joe’s doing well, keeping up with the Joneses, maybe it’ll get me off my fat ass so I can work harder. So there are very clear evolutionary reasons why empathy exists, but the problem is when empathy misfires, it either becomes hyperactive or directs empathy to the wrong person.” Source:
Who Watches the Watchers? 