Pity is not natural to man. Children are always cruel…
“Pity is not natural to man. Children are always cruel. Savages are always cruel. Pity is acquired and improved by the cultivation of reason. We may have uneasy sensations from seeing a creature in distress, without pity; for we have not pity unless we wish to relieve them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Pity is a learned response, not innate; reason cultivates it, while natural cruelty persists without deliberate empathy.
In simple terms: Pity is taught, cruelty is natural.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reason to develop empathy.
Themes
ethics
human nature
reason
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- child rearing
- conflict resolution
- philanthropy
- social work
Key Concepts
Moral psychology
empathy development
Questions to Reflect On
- Can reason always overcome innate cruelty?
- How does society reward or punish pity?
A Different Perspective
Pity may be suppressed by self‑interest or cultural norms.