Invention of Empathy
Once upon a time, in a world not so unlike our own, there was a sprawling civilization known as Ankorita. The inhabitants of Ankorita were intelligent beings with advanced technology, overcoming all the limitations of ordinary living with their advanced tools and methods of social organization. Peculiarly, despite being the only sentient beings in that world, they were without any notions of hatred, enmity, or warfare. Yet, they constantly evolved themselves and their society-run not by politicians or kings but by scientists and inventors- in pursuit of values they regarded as supreme: Wisdom and Justice.
In Ankorita, things were invented not for personal profit but for the progress of the entire civilization. Their most incredible invention, hence, was the 'Mirror of Existence'- a quantum computing based life simulator. Powered by the collective intelligence of a million minds, this mirror had the power to recreate life scenarios from different points in time.
One day, a brilliant scientist named Vidu, curious and restless, wanted to use the Mirror to understand how civilization evolved in chaotic arenas consumed by war or hatred. With the approval of the council, he set out to design Fervor - a realm where beings were constantly in conflict, pitted against one another, and civilization was a result of survival against all odds rather than cooperation.
Fervor was rapidly populated with sentient beings similar to humanoids but with much lower intellect and a heightened sense of ambition. As generations passed, Fervor saw countless battles over territory, power, and resources. Civilization did evolve, but it was a bloody, brutal evolution marked by the rise of kings, tyrants, and heroes.
More interestingly, however, Vidu noticed an unprecedented phenomenon: love. In their struggle for survival, Fervor's inhabitants had developed profound, protective emotions towards their kin and clans. From love bloomed acts of selfless bravery, sacrifice, and resilience that Vidu had never seen in Ankorita. He was fascinated, perplexed, even smitten.
Meanwhile, back in Ankorita, the council was concerned about the additional resources expended for simulation maintenance. They demanded Vidu to terminate Fervor, stating that the evolving emotions were frivolous and a drain on their life simulator's resources. Vidu, however, had grown fond of Fervor and its chaotic, brave inhabitants. Torn between his duty and desire to protect Fervor, Vidu devised a bold plan.
He gathered all his learnings from Fervor and proposed to the council to introduce a new emotion in Ankorita: Empathy. He argued that the sense of shared understanding and compassion could infuse a new dimension in their society, preventing stagnation. The council debated and agreed to trial. The Mirror was used to imbue empathy in Ankoritans.
Soon, Ankorita transformed. The inhabitants began to appreciate their tranquil existence more, finding joy in understanding others' perspectives. Knowledge shared was no longer solely intellectual but also emotional, resulting in a flourishing of art, literature, and music, which was unheard of before. The newfound emotions even led to the development of family units, much like Fervor.
Having seen the transformative effects of empathy, the council reversed their decision to terminate Fervor. Vidu's bravery was recognized and hailed throughout Ankorita. Fervor continued to evolve in its vibrant chaos, contributing exceptionally to Ankorita, both societies learning and growing from each other. With new emotions flowering in their hearts and revolutionary thoughts kindling in their minds, both worlds stepped into a new era of existence.
In the end, Vidu couldn't help but muse: From wisdom sprang justice, from justice developed innovation, and from chaotic innovation blossomed empathy- the greatest invention of them all!