Compassion Quote by Karen Armstrong
“Compassion is not feeling sorry for others. It's not soft. It requires an intellectual effort.”
About This Quote
Compassion involves a deliberate, rational commitment to others' wellbeing, not merely emotional sympathy, and requires thoughtful engagement rather than passive feeling.
In simple terms: Compassion is a thoughtful, intentional act.
Practice intentional empathy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- volunteering
- conflict mediation
- caregiving
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What intellectual steps do you take to show compassion?
- How can you balance feeling and thought in caring?
Pure emotional sympathy may lack depth and sustainability.