Commit Quote by Leo Tolstoy
“If once we admit, be it for a single hour or in a single instance, that there can be anything more important than compassion for a fellow human being, then there is no crime against man that we cannot commit with an easy conscience.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: War and Peace, 1869
Compassion outweighs all other concerns; without it, any wrongdoing feels justified.
In simple terms: Compassion is paramount; without it, anything seems okay.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize empathy over convenience.
Themes
ethics
humanity
conscience
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political decisions
- personal relationships
- judicial rulings
- business ethics
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychology of guilt
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure compassion isn’t used to rationalize harm?
- What safeguards prevent moral complacency?
A Different Perspective
Compassion can be manipulated to excuse harmful actions.
