In a 1991 episode of the television show Seinfeld, the George Costanza character gets increasingly agitated as strangers thwart his attempt to get access to a pay phone for an important call to his new girlfriend. He eventually bursts out in frustration: “We’re living in a society … does anyone ever display the slightest sensitivity over the problems of a fellow individual?” The bit lands ironically, coming from a pathologically selfish character on a show so nihilistic its final episode had the four central figures imprisoned for not helping someone in distress. But the point is valid: a basic level...