Compassion is a unique virtue as it is defined in two parts. The first part defines compassion as the feeling that develops when one is challenged with the suffering of others. The second part includes the motivation one feels to alleviate that suffering. In real meaning it is how you feel when you experience the suffering of others and what you do to ease the pain.
It is important to understand that compassion is different from the virtues of empathy or altruism, although the theories are interrelated. While empathy refers to the ability to equally recognize the situations, emotions, and experiences of others, compassion takes it one step further and includes the wish to assist. Altruism, successively, is the unselfish actions frequently encouraged by feelings of compassion; however one can experience compassion devoid of action. Altruism often is not a triggered by compassion.
Scientists have initiated mapping of the biological foundation of compassion, implying it has a profound evolutionary function. This research suggests being compassionate can advance health, happiness, relationships, and may even be essential to the survival of our species.
10 Wisdom Wednesday Quotes: Compassion
- “Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”—Nelson Mandela
- “God’s dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion.”—Desmond Tutu
- “Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom.”—Rumi
- “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.”― Plato
- “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”—Dalai Lama
- “It is easy enough to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.”― Mahatma Gandhi
- “Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.”― Sam Levenson
- “Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and it’s beauty.”― Albert Einstein
- “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.”― Gautama Buddha
- “I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”—Lao Tzu
Great quotes to live by. Thanks for the reminder!
Very well written. Compassion could also be called by another name…Love. If you love then you should have compassion. We are called by God to be compassionate to each other.
Ben recently posted…Working From Home With Kids
Love this!
Kira T recently posted…KitchenAid Mixer Giveaway
Those quotes are good reminders!
Holly recently posted…Travel Thursday: Galena, Illinois
Definitely a virtue the world could use more of!
Bobbie recently posted…The Creative Exchange Link Party #5
I love this. I think that a lot of times people forget to use compassion in the world
Heather @ Divas Run for Bling recently posted…Recipe Thursday: Clean Eating Bruschetta Quinoa Bake
Thank you for a great clarifycation of what compassion really means. I think we feel so much better when we actually do something about someone else’s situations.
Also it truly helps one to have a fulfilled life.
Liliana Marsden recently posted…Write a Series of Articles
Great quotes. Compassion is so important. I think I learned true compassion when my son was born.
Danielle recently posted…Top 25 Workout Songs Day 18 of 100
So many great quotes! Thanks for the wonderful post :)
Hilary @ The RNY Life recently posted…Always, Sometimes, Never
Great quotes to live by.. Thanks
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