Compassion Quote by John Paul Lederach
““We tend to view compassion as something we project outward—that is, as a presence or gift we offer to another person or on behalf of a suffering world. This keeps compassion as an act of superiority, something the healthy offer the sick. We rarely offer the gift of compassionate presence to our own person.””
About This Quote
Source book: “The Moral Imagination” by John Paul Lederach, 2004
Compassion is often projected outward as a gift, creating a hierarchy, while we rarely extend compassionate presence to ourselves.
In simple terms: Compassion is usually given to others, not to oneself.
Key Takeaway
Practice self‑compassion.
Themes
compassion
self‑care
humility
psychology
hierarchy
Mood
gentle
reflective
empathetic
Type
Compassion:1
Compassionate:1
View Compassion:0
Compassionate Presence:0
Gift Compassionate:0
Compassion Project:0
When to use this quote
- therapy
- mindfulness practice
- self‑reflection
- support groups
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
psychology of giving
inner kindness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you offer compassion to yourself?
- What barriers prevent self‑compassion?
A Different Perspective
Self‑compassion can be harder due to cultural conditioning.
