Musing on Empathy

[bloodlustwitch]

Is empathy is a necessary feeling for a person to have?
What produces empathy?
If empathy is lacking, are other emotions affected?
Is empathy somehow necessary for humanity? Do you think that other species have empathy?
Is empathy necessary for morality?
Without feeling empathy for those around you, what stops a person from committing immoral acts?
Is empathy something that is genetically coded or socially taught?
Is empathy something that you require from your partner?

Any thoughts?