This letter is associated with the following article:
Letters
Monday, November 5, 2007 12:00 AM

I feel your pain

New proof of "mirror neurons" explains why we experience the grief and joy of others, and maybe why humans are altruistic. But don't call us Gandhi yet.
By Gordy Slack

Read other letters about this article

  • Sunday, November 4, 2007 08:16 PM

    fascinating

    I teach theatre courses at a small university.

    I always have a hard time convincing students about the "social good" of seeing tragedies (they vastly prefer comedies, bevause, wh wants to be sad?) Tragedy is a stand-in for actual experience: the tragic hero a virtual sacrifice. s/he suffers and perhaps dies so that we don't have to, but we the viewers vicariously "feel their pain" without suffering the dire consequences. And if this articvle is to believed, it's good practice for our brains.

    —Juliebird Read Juliebird's other letters

    Flag
Read other letters about this article

Most Active Letters Threads

387

A key British official reminds us of the forgotten anthrax attack

A vast array of establishment and expert sources do not believe this episode was really resolved.
Glenn Greenwald Read article
207

Is Obama's civil liberties record understandable?

Was it unreasonable to expect him to adhere to his commitments regarding the Constitution?
Glenn Greenwald Read article
152

The crazy, irrational beliefs of Muslims

Tom Friedman explains the real problem: stupid Muslims think the U.S. is about war and aggression.
Glenn Greenwald Read article
109

How dare you criticize wasteful defense spending!

So you think it's only terrorist-appeasing lefties who are down on Pentagon profligacy? Think again
By David Sirota Read article
55

Police to talk to Woods

Early morning crash raises questions, and revives tabloid speculation
By DOUG FERGUSON, Associated Press Read article

View all »

Letters Help

Currently in Salon