Heartless

Heartless may refer to a person who lacks empathy or compassion, or it may refer to various works of art, literature, and entertainment. The term is often used metaphorically to describe individuals who appear indifferent or unfeeling.

Etymology

The term "heartless" is derived from the English words "heart" and the suffix "-less", which means without. In this context, heart symbolizes emotions, love, and compassion, thus someone who is heartless is perceived to be devoid of these qualities.

In Literature

In literature, heartless characters are often depicted as villains or antagonists. These characters lack empathy and compassion, and their actions are typically driven by selfish motives. Examples of such characters can be found in works like Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, where the character Ebenezer Scrooge is initially portrayed as heartless.

In Popular Culture

"Heartless" is also a common theme in popular culture, particularly in music and film. For instance, "Heartless" is a song by Kanye West from his 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak. In film, the Heartless are a type of creature in the Kingdom Hearts video game series.

In Psychology

In psychology, being heartless can be associated with certain personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder. Individuals with these disorders often exhibit a lack of empathy and disregard for others' feelings.

See Also

• Empathy
• Compassion
• Antisocial personality disorder
• Narcissistic personality disorder