--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: True compassion is not just an emotional…" description: "\"True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others doe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f8c/dalai-lama-89_altruism_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_2802590.jpg" --- # True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a… ![“True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change, even if they behave negatively. Through universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others: the wish to help them…” quote by Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f8c/dalai-lama-89_altruism_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_2802590.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f8c/dalai-lama-89_altruism_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_2802590.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f8c/dalai-lama-89_altruism_true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional_2802590.jpg) > “True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change, even if they behave negatively. Through universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others: the wish to help them actively overcome their problems.” [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Compassion is a rational, steadfast commitment, not fleeting feeling. **In simple terms:** Compassion is a choice. Key Takeaway Practice reasoned compassion daily. Themes compassion reason altruism Mood calm hopeful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal relationships - community service Key Concepts ethical responsibility emotional regulation Questions to Reflect On - How can you stay compassionate when hurt? - What rational reasons support helping others? A Different Perspective Reasoned compassion may clash with self‑interest. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Altruism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/altruism/) [Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/attitude/) [Behave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behave/) [Behavior](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behavior/) [Behaviour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behaviour/) [Caring for others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/caring-for-others/) [Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Commitment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/commitment/) [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) [Compassionate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassionate/) [Compassionate Attitude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassionate-attitude-581016/) [Developing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/developing/) [Development](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/development/) [Doe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doe/) [Emotion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotion/) [Emotional](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotional/) [Emotional response](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/emotional-response/) [Feelings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feelings/) [Firm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/firm/) [Generosity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generosity/) [Helping](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/helping/) [Helping others](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/helping-others/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Overcoming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overcoming/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Response](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/response/) [Responsibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/responsibility/) [True Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/true-compassion-694760/) [Truly Compassionate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truly-compassionate-483332/) [Universal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universal/) [Universal Altruism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universal-altruism-3163402/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) [Wise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise/) [Wise man once said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise-man-once-said/) [Wise words](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wise-words/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/) [Words of wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/words-of-wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [A truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change even if they behave negatively or hurt you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-truly-compassionate-attitude-toward-others-does-not-change-even-if/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [A compassionate attitude opens our inner door, and as a result it is much easier to communicate with others. If there is too much…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/a-compassionate-attitude-opens-our-inner-door-and-as-a-result-it-is/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [A compassionate attitude helps you communicate more easily with your fellow human beings. As a result, you make more genuine friends and the atmosphere…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/a-compassionate-attitude-helps-you-communicate-more-easily-with-your/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [True compassion is not just an emotional response but a firm commitment founded on reason.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-not-just-an-emotional-response-but-a-firm/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Since we desire the true happiness that is brought about by a calm mind, and such peace of mind arises only from having a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/since-we-desire-the-true-happiness-that-is-brought-about-by-a-calm/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“Ultimately humanity is one, and this small planet is our only home. If we're to protect this home of ours, each of us needs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama-xiv/ultimately-humanity-is-one-and-this-small-planet-is-our-only-home-if/) [Dalai Lama XIV](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama-xiv/) > [World economies are always so tenuous and we are subject to so many losses in life, but a compassionate attitude is something we can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/world-economies-are-always-so-tenuous-and-we-are-subject-to-so-many/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Compassion is something we can count on. Even if we face economic problems and our fortunes decline, we can still share our compassion with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/compassion-is-something-we-can-count-on-even-if-we-face-economic/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/every-single-being-even-those-who-are-hostile-to-us-is-just-as-afraid/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [True compassion is universal in scope. It is accompanied by a feeling of responsibility.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/true-compassion-is-universal-in-scope-it-is-accompanied-by-a-feeling/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“A truly compassionate man gives a poor woman a portion of his meal before he eats, not after he has eaten.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/a-truly-compassionate-man-gives-a-poor-woman-a-portion-of-his-meal/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) > [What we really need is compassion of the mind - compassion for others that is directed intelligently and produces truly compassionate results.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harry-browne/what-we-really-need-is-compassion-of-the-mind-compassion-for-others/) [Harry Browne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harry-browne/) > [“A truly compassionate person touches a chord in us that resonates with some of our deepest yearnings. People flock to such individuals, because they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/karen-armstrong/a-truly-compassionate-person-touches-a-chord-in-us-that-resonates/) [Karen Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/karen-armstrong/) > [Truly compassionate action arises spontaneously without thought and is carried out in real action with no anticipation of reward and, indeed, no concept of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brad-warner/truly-compassionate-action-arises-spontaneously-without-thought-and/) [Brad Warner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brad-warner/) > [I am convinced that human nature is basically affectionate and good. If our behavior follows our kind and loving nature, immense benefits will result,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-convinced-that-human-nature-is-basically-affectionate-and-good/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More by Dalai Lama > [Although under particular circumstances, the violence method - any method - can be justified, nevertheless once you commit violence, then counterviolence will be returned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/although-under-particular-circumstances-the-violence-method-any/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There are a number of qualities which are important for mental peace, but from the little experience I have, I believe that one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-are-a-number-of-qualities-which-are-important-for-mental-peace/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [In the interests of everyone the artist had a responsibility to use his medium well. In the Tibetan culture, most of the paintings are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/in-the-interests-of-everyone-the-artist-had-a-responsibility-to-use/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [If the mind is dominated by hatred, the best part of the brain, which is used to judge right and wrong, does not function…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/if-the-mind-is-dominated-by-hatred-the-best-part-of-the-brain-which/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [More compassionate mind, more sense of concern for other's well-being, is source of happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/more-compassionate-mind-more-sense-of-concern-for-other-s-well-being/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [Everybody loves to talk about calmness and peace, whether in a family, national, or international context, but without inner peace how can we make…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/everybody-loves-to-talk-about-calmness-and-peace-whether-in-a-family/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [The only "definitive truth" for Buddhism is the absolute negation of any one truth as the Definitive Truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/the-only-definitive-truth-for-buddhism-is-the-absolute-negation-of/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We can change society, change humanity by changing ourselves as individuals. By cultivating inner values, we can change our own lives and those of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-can-change-society-change-humanity-by-changing-ourselves-as/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I don't want to convert people to Buddhism — all major religions, when understood properly, have the same potential for good.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-don-t-want-to-convert-people-to-buddhism-all-major-religions-when/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [There is no way to escape death, it is just like trying to escape by four great mountains touching sky. There is no escape…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/there-is-no-way-to-escape-death-it-is-just-like-trying-to-escape-by/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [We live within the environment. So that directly relates with our survival, our life. So through that way, more concern of well being of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/we-live-within-the-environment-so-that-directly-relates-with-our/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [My belief is that the various religious traditions have great potential to increase compassion, the sense of caring for one another, and the spirit…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/my-belief-is-that-the-various-religious-traditions-have-great/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [When we think carefully, we see that the brief elation we experience when appeasing sensual impulses may not be very different from what the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/when-we-think-carefully-we-see-that-the-brief-elation-we-experience/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [“So let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/so-let-us-reflect-on-what-is-truly-of-value-in-life-what-gives/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) > [I am the source of my own suffering, because of the habits of my mind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dalai-lama/i-am-the-source-of-my-own-suffering-because-of-the-habits-of-my-mind/) [Dalai Lama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) [Explore all 1,406 Dalai Lama quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dalai-lama/) ## More Altruism quotes > [“It takes a female to have a baby, It takes a woman to raise a child, It takes a mother to raise them correctly,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-l-alder/it-takes-a-female-to-have-a-baby-it-takes-a-woman-to-raise-a-child-it/) [Shannon L. Alder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-l-alder/) > [“Some of our friends are our friends only because we used to be friends.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mokokoma-mokhonoana/some-of-our-friends-are-our-friends-only-because-we-used-to-be-friends/) [Mokokoma Mokhonoana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mokokoma-mokhonoana/) > [“...True classical dropouts in society are those who avoid difficult challenges and cling to the first opportunity that comes their way. They never test…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janvier-chouteu-chando/true-classical-dropouts-in-society-are-those-who-avoid-difficult/) [Janvier Chouteu-Chando](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janvier-chouteu-chando/) > [“Take a stand that reflects the widest horizons of your soul if you don’t want to be a slave to external powers.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janvier-chouteu-chando/take-a-stand-that-reflects-the-widest-horizons-of-your-soul-if-you/) [Janvier Chouteu-Chando](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janvier-chouteu-chando/) > [One of the great issues in biology is the origin of altruism - of why you would do something for someone else that could…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isabella-rossellini/one-of-the-great-issues-in-biology-is-the-origin-of-altruism-of-why/) [Isabella Rossellini](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isabella-rossellini/) > [How selfish soever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in his nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-smith/how-selfish-soever-man-may-be-supposed-there-are-evidently-some/) [Adam Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-smith/) > [Restoration ecology is experimental science, a science of love and altruism. In its attempts to reverse the processes of ecosystem degradation it runs exactly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephanie-mills/restoration-ecology-is-experimental-science-a-science-of-love-and/) [Stephanie Mills](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephanie-mills/) > [“...of all the nonsense that twists the world, the concept of 'altruism' is the worst. People do what they want to do, every time.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-a-heinlein/of-all-the-nonsense-that-twists-the-world-the-concept-of-altruism-is/) [Robert A. Heinlein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-a-heinlein/) > [“Only a fool would find happiness from an achievement that is detrimental to those he loves.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janvier-chouteu-chando/only-a-fool-would-find-happiness-from-an-achievement-that-is/) [Janvier Chouteu-Chando](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janvier-chouteu-chando/) > [Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cordell-hull/never-insult-an-alligator-until-after-you-have-crossed-the-river/) [Cordell Hull](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cordell-hull/) > [“…the purpose of life is to nurture joy, which involves those aspects of humanity that enrich the soul.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janvier-chouteu-chando/the-purpose-of-life-is-to-nurture-joy-which-involves-those-aspects-of/) [Janvier Chouteu-Chando](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janvier-chouteu-chando/) > [“Whatever they say about it, but being altruistic is not so simple for everyone. Not to look and sound like despotism, altruism must be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lara-biyuts/whatever-they-say-about-it-but-being-altruistic-is-not-so-simple-for/) [Lara Biyuts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lara-biyuts/) > [Effective altruism is the form of altruism in which we bring our rational capacities to bear in order to do the most good that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/peter-singer/effective-altruism-is-the-form-of-altruism-in-which-we-bring-our/) [Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-singer/) > [“Societies and people that come close to being happy are those that do well in narrowing the disparity between their desires and their needs,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janvier-chouteu-chando/societies-and-people-that-come-close-to-being-happy-are-those-that-do/) [Janvier Chouteu-Chando](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janvier-chouteu-chando/) > [“Most of the truly kind people of this world show some measure of discomfort when offered kindness. Their gratitude stems not only from their…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janvier-chouteu-chando/most-of-the-truly-kind-people-of-this-world-show-some-measure-of/) [Janvier Chouteu-Chando](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janvier-chouteu-chando/) [Browse all 419 Altruism quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/altruism/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "True compassion is not just an emotional response, but a firm commitment founded on reason. Therefore, a truly compassionate attitude toward others does not change, even if they behave negatively. 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