Compassion Quote by Sharon Salzberg
““Sometimes we think that to develop an open heart, to be truly loving and compassionate, means that we need to be passive, to allow others to abuse us, to smile and let anyone do what they want with us. Yet this is not what is meant by compassion. Quite the contrary. Compassion is not at all weak. It is the strength that arises out of seeing the true nature of suffering in the world. Compassion allows us to bear witness to that suffering, whether it is in ourselves or others, without fear; it allows us to name injustice without hesitation, and to act strongly, with all the skill at our disposal. To develop this mind state of compassion...is to learn to live, as the Buddha put it, with sympathy for all living beings, without exception.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness, Sharon Salzberg, 1995
True compassion is active strength, not passive tolerance; it involves recognizing suffering, naming injustice, and acting skillfully.
In simple terms: Compassion is active strength, not weakness.
Key Takeaway
Act with skillful compassion toward suffering.
Themes
compassion
strength
justice
Mood
thoughtful
motivational
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- social injustice
- personal suffering
- activism
Key Concepts
mindfulness
ethical action
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance compassion with self‑preservation?
- When should you intervene versus step back?
A Different Perspective
Compassion can be draining without self‑care; over‑identifying with others’ pain may cause burnout.
![“[T]he family is a school of compassion because it is here that we learn to live with other people. (68)” quote by Karen Armstrong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b58/karen-armstrong-1053_compassion_t-he-family-is-a-school-of-compassion-be_731320.jpg)
