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Compassion Quote by Charles Dickens

“And could I look upon her without compassion, seeing her punishment in the ruin she was, in her profound unfitness for this earth on which she was placed, in the vanity of sorrow which had become a master mania, like the vanity of penitence, the vanity of remorse, the vanity of unworthiness, and…” quote by Charles Dickens
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“And could I look upon her without compassion, seeing her punishment in the ruin she was, in her profound unfitness for this earth on which she was placed, in the vanity of sorrow which had become a master mania, like the vanity of penitence, the vanity of remorse, the vanity of unworthiness, and other monstrous vanities that have been curses in this world?”

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

Source Novel: Great Expectations, 1861

Compassion is lacking when we view others as cursed by vanity and suffering, ignoring humanity.

In simple terms: Lack of compassion dehumanizes the suffering.

Key Takeaway

Practice empathy toward those judged harshly.

Themes

compassion vanity humanity judgment redemption

Mood

somber reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • counseling
  • social work
  • education
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

moral philosophy psychology social critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • What biases affect your empathy?
  • How can you recognize hidden suffering?
A Different Perspective

Compassion can be uncomfortable to give.

2.2 out of 5 (3 ratings)

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