And when all this fine philosophy was over, when all these humane sentiments had been once fairly expressed, he would pursue his business or his pleasure, take his repose or his diversion, with the same ease and tranquillity, as if no such accident [as the destruction of China] had happened.
Now that we are informed of disasters worldwide as soon as they happen, and can give at least money with a few mouse clicks, we can put this prediction to the test. What in fact we see is a very great public response to such disasters as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
What in fact we see is a very great public response to such disasters as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
True, but first of all, the situation posited is one in which China is “swallowed up”. If a disaster occurred, and there was no clear way for the generous public to actually help, do you think you would see the same response? I’m sure you would still have the same loud proclamations of tragedy and sympathy, but would there be action to match it? I suppose it’s possible that they would try to support the remaining Chinese who presumably survived by not being in China, but it seems unlikely to me that the same concerted aid efforts would exist.
Secondly, it seems to me that Smith is talking more about genuine emotional distress and lasting life changes than simply any kind of reaction. Yes, people donate money for disaster relief, but do they lose sleep over it? (Yes, there are some people who drop everything and relocate to physically help, but they are the exception.) Is a $5 donation to the Red Cross more indicative of genuine distress and significant change, or the kind of public sympathy that allows the person to return to their lives as soon as they’ve sent the text?
Now that we are informed of disasters worldwide as soon as they happen, and can give at least money with a few mouse clicks, we can put this prediction to the test. What in fact we see is a very great public response to such disasters as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
True, but first of all, the situation posited is one in which China is “swallowed up”. If a disaster occurred, and there was no clear way for the generous public to actually help, do you think you would see the same response? I’m sure you would still have the same loud proclamations of tragedy and sympathy, but would there be action to match it? I suppose it’s possible that they would try to support the remaining Chinese who presumably survived by not being in China, but it seems unlikely to me that the same concerted aid efforts would exist.
Secondly, it seems to me that Smith is talking more about genuine emotional distress and lasting life changes than simply any kind of reaction. Yes, people donate money for disaster relief, but do they lose sleep over it? (Yes, there are some people who drop everything and relocate to physically help, but they are the exception.) Is a $5 donation to the Red Cross more indicative of genuine distress and significant change, or the kind of public sympathy that allows the person to return to their lives as soon as they’ve sent the text?
If help is not possible, obviously there will be no help. But in real disasters, there always is a way to help, and help is always forthcoming.
Even if help is not possible, there will be “help.”