Hi, I'm new to the forum, although a long-time reader of EA ideas. I know this is an odd question, so I should provide some background. Lately, I've been really unmotivated to study anything about EA, or improving the world in general. After some reflection, I believe that my self-quarantine, along with strange state of the world this year, has dulled my empathy, so I find I can't invest emotionally on any altruism related question. So, I'm thinking, does anyone have an emotional resource, of any kind, for increasing empathic motivation for doing good things? Not focused on the rational "effective" part necessarily, just motivation increasing.
Thanks in advance.
EDIT: resources for being inspired about the future are also fine. Anything, really.
Welcome to the forum! This is a very important question, and one that I think many of us are struggling with or have been at some point. I really appreciate you taking action on this and asking about resources publicly.
Probably my favorite write-ups on this topic is Replacing Guilt by Nate Soares. The first part addresses "listless-guilt" - that feeling that there is something that you should do but you don't know what and there is no specific motivation to guide you.
Here is a relevant question that has been asked on the forum previously, and may have further sources.
I also want to remind you that it's perfectly okay not to feel motivated right now. This can come in waves, and you might just randomly come across something which would make you motivated again. It's tough to feel motivated without supporting community and structure (if that's the case you're in). You might also consider joining the EA Virtual Group, or volunteer for an ongoing EA project.
Great! good luck!