The topics of empathy and compassion are both discussed by Yo-yo Ma and Paul Bloom, more specifically the positive and negative connotations concerning empathy. Within “Necessary edges: Art, Empathy, and Education” by Yo-yo Ma it is argued that empathy can be just as valuable in society as critical thinking. Ma exclaims that “because the world economy is so hyper-competitive, much of the focus in education…is on STEM…As important as that is, it is short-sighted, we need to add the empathetic reasoning of the arts to the mix” (Ma, 279), Ma emphasizes that the strict focus on content-based knowledge detaches us from each other. Alternatively, Paul Bloom explains that “understanding people is important, but is not necessarily a force of good. It can be a force of evil as well.” (Bloom, 1), Bloom brings about the argument that though empathy might seem “great on paper”, it does have limitations and flaws. Personally, I do understand Bloom’s concern, however, I believe that it is the role of an individual to morally decide when empathy should be used. We all have a moral compass, so to speak, and I feel it would be of great benefit to better incorporate empathy more significantly into the education system.