>" People totally devoid of this capability, or who use it strictly to frustrate the legitimate ambitions of others, we tend to consider as sociopathic, or at least pathological."

There's lots of them at the top of this administration. They don't have empathy, just manipulation from their seat of power. Perhaps that's why Obama is winning; he exudes empathy and understanding.

Getting back to the subject now; I remember first being conscious of "two minds" when my marriage was in trouble. Someone somewhere said "pull yourself out of the situation, the emotion of the situation and just be an observer", or something like that. So, I put an imaginary video camera in the corner of the kitchen and pretended it was always on and running and I finally got to "observe" the situation, and not just be DRIVEN by it. (My ex was a button pusher). It helped me get a clearer perspective "by stepping out of the situation".
I still use that today for balance. But you're right, at times, the objective point of view can paralyse you until some other part of the situation is worked out.