I really like the perspective provided by Paul Bloom in this video, but I have to disagree with his stance that empathy is negative to humanity.
The idea of "Effective Altruism" is definitely one of the best ways to create the largest positive impact, but that doesn't mean the small acts of philanthropy that Bloom denounces are wrong. I think that caring for that "baby stuck in a well" and being a "warm-glow altruist" is also incredibly important because after feeling the rush of doing something good for someone else for some time, a "warm-glow altruist" may transition into becoming an "effective altruist" because they want to have a greater impact.
The video is a short one (shy of 3 minutes). I'd highly recommend watching it!
via The Atlantic