How to restrain your empathy for Luigi Mangione (the problem with “revolutionaries”)

I empathize with the guy — I’m not afraid to say this (and I guess I’m not afraid to say this because I’m one of many — just look at social media comments). Empathy doesn’t mean I don’t acknowledge the crime he likely committed and that a punishment should ensue.

I empathize because I share the frustration over how the most basic human right — to live or to live without pain — still has to be fought for, even in an era when the world, at least the developed world, is wealthier and more advanced than ever. A couple of months ago, I suffered a meaningful back injury — likely a sacral stress fracture — and I still haven’t been able to get an MRI. I moved states and didn’t have insurance. Being self-employed, I have to handle my own insurance.

I’m not complaining. I’m young and healthy (hopefully). I’ve had other medical situations where I received good care. Still, it’s mind-blowing that, in 2024, someone can’t simply walk into urgent care or schedule a life-saving or pain-reducing surgery without worrying about insurance, approvals, and money.

Frustration shouldn’t lead to crime, but for some, their frustration becomes so personal and overwhelming that they see no other way to make themselves heard — or to attempt to change the world — than through violence.

Now, here’s the problem with these revolutionaries — or self-proclaimed revolutionaries. History is full of such characters. One reason…