Compassionate Quote by Anne Lamott
““As far as I can recall, none of the adults in my life ever once remembered to say, “Some people have a thick skin and you don’t. Your heart is really open and that is going to cause pain, but that is an appropriate response to this world. The cost is high, but the blessing of being compassionate is beyond your wildest dreams. However, you’re not going to feel that a lot in seventh grade. Just hang on.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott, 1994
Adults often fail to teach children that openness leads to pain but also deep compassion, and that enduring this is a valuable, though costly, lesson.
In simple terms: Being open hurts but brings great compassion.
Key Takeaway
Embrace openness despite pain.
Themes
compassion
vulnerability
growth
resilience
education
Mood
reflective
empathetic
encouraging
Type
advice
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- parenting
- school life
- personal development
- mental health
- adolescent challenges
Key Concepts
emotional intelligence
psychological development
social learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance openness with self‑protection?
- What small acts of compassion can you practice daily?
A Different Perspective
The advice may feel abstract for teens focused on immediate social pressures.
![“[Chinese] are a huge empire now, you'll soon be - in a few years two billion people in the world. So, you should be more compassionate, more understanding. And above all, you don't need all their trouble.” quote by Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/751/elie-wiesel-341_billions_chinese-are-a-huge-empire-now-you-ll-soo_28398.jpg)
