Compassion Quote by Cole Swensen
“If you're deeply engaged in an event, you're part of it. But if you're outside of it, disinterested, you are the regard that registers history. And that disinterestedness is different from objectivity. The objective view sees only the event, while the disinterested one participates as well as views by creating that link to history. It's a type of viewing that's both inside and out of the event, that brings to the viewing the capacity for human emotion, for compassion, but holds it openly. And objectivity excludes the human element, and is therefore not a point of view open to humans.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Disinterested View, Cole Swensen, 2015
Engagement creates a perspective that blends participation with observation, allowing emotion and compassion while still noting history, unlike detached objectivity.
In simple terms: Being involved lets you feel and record history, unlike pure objectivity.
Key Takeaway
Embrace both feeling and observation.
Themes
participation
objectivity
emotion
history
compassion
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- journalism
- historical research
- art criticism
- personal memoir
- teaching
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your involvement shape your understanding?
- Can you be compassionate while staying critical?
A Different Perspective
Pure objectivity may miss the human context that gives meaning.
