Skip to content

Compassion literally means to feel with, to suffer with…

“Compassion literally means to feel with, to suffer with. Everyone is capable of compassion, and yet everyone tends to avoid it because it's uncomfortable. And the avoidance produces psychic numbing - resistance to experiencing our pain for the world and other beings.” quote by Joanna Macy
Download Open image
“Compassion literally means to feel with, to suffer with. Everyone is capable of compassion, and yet everyone tends to avoid it because it's uncomfortable. And the avoidance produces psychic numbing - resistance to experiencing our pain for the world and other beings.”

Joanna Macy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Compassion involves sharing others' suffering, but many avoid it due to discomfort, leading to emotional numbness and resistance to pain.

In simple terms: Feeling others' pain is hard, so we often shut down.

Key Takeaway

Practice staying present with discomfort.

Themes

empathy psychology humanity

Mood

reflective empathetic

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • conflict resolution
  • social work
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

emotional resonance psychic numbing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you stay open to others' pain without feeling overwhelmed?
  • What practices help you move from numbness to compassionate action?
A Different Perspective

Avoidance can reinforce isolation and hinder healing.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Joanna Macy

Explore all 44 Joanna Macy quotes

More Avoidance quotes

Browse all 290 Avoidance quotes