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There are two types of compassion. One - is faint-hearted…

“There are two types of compassion. One - is faint-hearted and sentimental. Actually, it is nothing more than impatience of the heart, that is hurrying to get rid of that hard feeling when you see other peoples' sufferings; this is not a compassion, but just an instinct will to defence yourself…” quote by Stefan Zweig
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“There are two types of compassion. One - is faint-hearted and sentimental. Actually, it is nothing more than impatience of the heart, that is hurrying to get rid of that hard feeling when you see other peoples' sufferings; this is not a compassion, but just an instinct will to defence yourself from misfortunes of others. But there is another compassion - real one, that demands for actions, not sentiments, it knows what it wants, and it is full of determination to do everything, what is in human power and even beyond it.”

Stefan Zweig

About This Quote

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

True compassion goes beyond feeling; it requires decisive action to alleviate suffering, not just personal comfort.

In simple terms: Compassion is action, not just feeling.

Key Takeaway

Act to help, not just sympathize.

Themes

empathy action ethics humanity

Mood

determined empathetic

Type

ethical motivational

When to use this quote

  • Volunteer work
  • advocacy
  • community aid

Key Concepts

Moral responsibility altruism determination

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you turn empathy into concrete help?
  • What barriers stop you from acting?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on emotion can lead to inaction.

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