---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Want compassion is not to be numbered…"
description: "\"Want compassion is not to be numbered among the general faults of mankind. The black ingredient which fouls our disposition is envy. Hence our eyes, it..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/henry-fielding-1358_benevolence_want-compassion-is-not-to-be-numbered-am_75768.jpg"
---

#  Want compassion is not to be numbered among the general…

![“Want compassion is not to be numbered among the general faults of mankind. The black ingredient which fouls our disposition is envy. Hence our eyes, it is to be feared, are seldom turned up to those who are manifestly greater, better, wiser, or happier than ourselves, without some degree of…” quote by Henry Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/henry-fielding-1358_benevolence_want-compassion-is-not-to-be-numbered-am_75768.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/henry-fielding-1358_benevolence_want-compassion-is-not-to-be-numbered-am_75768.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/414/henry-fielding-1358_benevolence_want-compassion-is-not-to-be-numbered-am_75768.jpg)

> “Want compassion is not to be numbered among the general faults of mankind. The black ingredient which fouls our disposition is envy. Hence our eyes, it is to be feared, are seldom turned up to those who are manifestly greater, better, wiser, or happier than ourselves, without some degree of malignity, we commonly look downward on the mean and miserable with sufficient benevolence and pity.”

[Henry Fielding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-fielding/)

## About This Quote

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

The passage argues that envy, not compassion, is a fundamental flaw in humanity, causing us to resent those who surpass us while feeling pity for those beneath us.

**In simple terms:** Envy distorts our view of others.

Key Takeaway

Envy breeds resentment and misplaced pity.

Themes

human nature moral psychology social comparison emotions virtue

Mood

reflective critical cautious

Type

philosophical moral

When to use this quote

- when encountering a more successful peer
- observing someone less fortunate
- in competitive environments
- during personal reflection

Key Concepts

envy compassion pride humility

Practical Applications

- self-awareness training
- ethical leadership development

Questions to Reflect On

- How does envy influence our judgments of others?
- What practices can reduce envy and foster genuine compassion?

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[Benevolence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/benevolence/) [Benevolence Pity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/benevolence-pity-517611/) [Black](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/black/) [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) [Compassion Numbered](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion-numbered-981959/) [Degrees](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/degrees/) [Disposition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disposition/) [Disposition Envy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/disposition-envy-981958/) [Envy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/envy/) [Eye](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/eye/) [Faults](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faults/) [Greater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greater/) [Ingredients](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ingredients/) [Looks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/looks/) [Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind/) [Mean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean/) [Miserable](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/miserable/) [Pity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pity/) [Sufficient](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sufficient/) [Ur Eyes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ur-eyes/) [Want](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/want/) [Want Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/want-compassion-981957/) [Wiser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wiser/)

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