> I think any perceived universal lack of empathy is more a projected personal lack of empathy. (a)
> I think that if you assume and expect the worst from others you'll in turn hold yourself to the same standard. (b)
(b) does not necessarily follow from (a). Lack of empathy does not automatically make you expect the worst from others.
For example you can easily assume that people will treat you at least superficially nicely because "being nice" is some expectation. Or maybe because it's even their job, e.g. someone in a leadership position.
Or put differently, if you do not have empathy and do not expect empathy from someone else (whether rightly so or simply due to your own lack of empathy) you could assume they still act rationally and that it is simply not in their interest to "do their worst" when interacting with you.
> I think that if you assume and expect the worst from others you'll in turn hold yourself to the same standard. (b)
(b) does not necessarily follow from (a). Lack of empathy does not automatically make you expect the worst from others. For example you can easily assume that people will treat you at least superficially nicely because "being nice" is some expectation. Or maybe because it's even their job, e.g. someone in a leadership position.
Or put differently, if you do not have empathy and do not expect empathy from someone else (whether rightly so or simply due to your own lack of empathy) you could assume they still act rationally and that it is simply not in their interest to "do their worst" when interacting with you.