--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In order to master compassion, you have…" description: "\"“In order to master compassion, you have to spend time getting to know monsters. When you can do that you will see that there are no monsters, only peo..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/shannon-l-alder-363_activist_in-order-to-master-compassion-you-have-t_232482.jpg" --- # In order to master compassion, you have to spend time… ![“In order to master compassion, you have to spend time getting to know monsters. When you can do that you will see that there are no monsters, only people that acted like monsters because no one gave them the time or compassion to hear their story.” quote by Shannon L. Alder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/shannon-l-alder-363_activist_in-order-to-master-compassion-you-have-t_232482.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/shannon-l-alder-363_activist_in-order-to-master-compassion-you-have-t_232482.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/687/shannon-l-alder-363_activist_in-order-to-master-compassion-you-have-t_232482.jpg) > ““In order to master compassion, you have to spend time getting to know monsters. When you can do that you will see that there are no monsters, only people that acted like monsters because no one gave them the time or compassion to hear their story.”” [Shannon L. Alder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shannon-l-alder/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Understanding that “monsters” are people lacking empathy encourages compassionate engagement rather than judgment. **In simple terms:** People act hurtfully when ignored; compassion can change that. Key Takeaway Listen before judging. Themes empathy judgment humanity Mood reflective hopeful Type educational inspirational When to use this quote - counseling - conflict resolution - community work Key Concepts psychology social behavior compassion training Questions to Reflect On - What stories might the “monster” be hiding? - How can you offer compassion safely? A Different Perspective Compassion requires time and may not be reciprocated. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Activist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/activist/) [Caring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/caring/) [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Compassion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compassion/) [Difficult people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difficult-people/) [Homeless](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/homeless/) [Hospitals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hospitals/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Mental-disorders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mental-disorders/) [Mentally ill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mentally-ill/) [Monsters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monsters/) [Service](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/service/) [Stories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stories/) [Time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/time/) ## Related quotes > [“Before you call yourself a Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu or any other theology, learn to be human first.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shannon-l-alder/before-you-call-yourself-a-christian-buddhist-muslim-hindu-or-any/) [Shannon L. 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