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Compassion Quote by Marvin Olasky

“We do not increase compassion by expanding it to cover anything. Instead, we kill a good word by making it mean too much, and nothing.” quote by Marvin Olasky
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“We do not increase compassion by expanding it to cover anything. Instead, we kill a good word by making it mean too much, and nothing.”

Marvin Olasky

About This Quote

Source Book: The Politics of Compassion, Marvin Olasky, 2005

Expanding compassion indiscriminately dilutes its meaning, making the term empty.

In simple terms: Too broad compassion loses its power.

Key Takeaway

Limit compassion to meaningful contexts.

Themes

compassion language meaning

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • social activism
  • public discourse
  • personal values

Key Concepts

ethical nuance semantic dilution

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does compassion become counterproductive?
  • How can we preserve the depth of compassionate language?
A Different Perspective

Overextension can render moral concepts ineffective.

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