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You could stamp on this natural shoot of compassion…

“You could stamp on this natural shoot of compassion, Mencius argued, just as you can cripple or deform your body, but if you cultivate this altruistic tendency assiduously, it will acquire a dynamic power of its own.23 The” quote by Karen Armstrong
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““You could stamp on this natural shoot of compassion, Mencius argued, just as you can cripple or deform your body, but if you cultivate this altruistic tendency assiduously, it will acquire a dynamic power of its own.23 The””

Karen Armstrong

About This Quote

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

Cultivating compassion deliberately gives it its own strength, like caring for a body.

In simple terms: Consistent compassion becomes powerful.

Key Takeaway

Practice empathy daily.

Themes

compassion self‑cultivation ethics

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • community service
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

Confucianism moral development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you nurture compassion in stressful times?
  • What habits strengthen altruism?
A Different Perspective

Compassion can be neglected without intentional effort.

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