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Compassion Quote by William Blake

“Pity would be no more, If we did not make somebody poor. Mercy no more could be, If all were happy as we.” quote by William Blake
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“Pity would be no more, If we did not make somebody poor. Mercy no more could be, If all were happy as we.”

William Blake

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, 1790

Pity and mercy depend on the existence of suffering; without poverty or unhappiness, they would not exist.

In simple terms: Compassion arises from recognizing others’ pain.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate empathy for those in need.

Themes

compassion social inequality ethics

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • charity work
  • social policy
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

philosophy theology humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can we feel compassion without suffering?
  • How do we balance happiness with empathy?
A Different Perspective

It risks glorifying suffering.

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