I have observed that religious practice is not a precondition either of ethical conduct or of happiness itself. I have also suggested that, whether a person practices religion or not, the spiritual qualities of love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, humility and so on are indispensable
—The 14th Dalai Lama (b.1935) Tibetan Buddhist Religious Leader, Civil Rights Leader, Philosopher, Author
If you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else.
—Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) American First Lady, Diplomat, Humanitarian
The golden rule is of no use whatsoever unless you realize that it is your move.
—Frank Hall Crane (1873–1948) American Stage and Film Actor, Director
Man may dismiss compassion from his heart, but God never will.
—William Cowper (1731–1800) English Anglican Poet, Hymn writer
Care is a state in which something does matter; it is the source of human tenderness.
—Rollo May (1909–94) American Philosopher
If you can’t find it in your own heart to be compassionate look in someone else’s before giving up on love altogether.
—Indian Proverb
Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.
—Samuel Johnson (1709–84) British Essayist
It is a man’s sympathy with all creatures that truly makes him a man. Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace.
—Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) French Theologian, Musician, Philosopher, Physician
The True happiness that Man has searched for since the dawn of humanity, that is the inner gold that awaits any person who holds compassionately the key of anonymous generosity. Do something for your fellow man, not for the gold, but for the love of Man, and you shall truly have the gold
—Unknown
Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.
—Buddhist Teaching
In democratic ages men rarely sacrifice themselves for another, but they show a general compassion for all the human race. One never sees them inflict pointless suffering, and they are glad to relieve the sorrows of others when they can do so without much trouble to themselves. They are not disinterested, but they are gentle.
—Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–59) French Historian, Political Scientist
I can feel guilty about the past, apprehensive about the future, but only in the present can I act. The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.
—Abraham Maslow (1908–70) American Psychologist, Academic, Humanist
Without justice, courage is weak.
—Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) American Political Leader, Inventor, Diplomat
Life is short. Time is fleeting. Realize the Self.
Purity of the heart is the gateway to God.
Aspire. Renounce. Meditate.
Be good; do good.
Be kind; be compassionate.
Inquire, know Thyself.
—Sivananda Saraswati (1887–1963) Indian Hindu Spiritual Teacher
No deep and strong feeling, such as we may come across here and there in the world, is unmixed with compassion. The more we love, the more the object of our love seems to us to be a victim.
—Boris Pasternak (1890–1960) Russian Lyric Poet, Novelist, Translator
Compassion is the basis of all morality.
—Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) German Philosopher
Knowing sorrow well, I learn to succor the distressed.
—Virgil (70–19 BCE) Roman Poet
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.
—Laozi (fl.6th Century BCE) Chinese Philosopher, Sage
You cannot do a kindness too soon because you never know how soon it will be too late.
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–82) American Philosopher
Always be a little kinder than necessary.
—J. M. Barrie (1860–1937) Scottish Novelist, Dramatist
God’s Compassion – Eye gives us
Not only one Chance
But countless chances
To change our wrong directions
—Sri Chinmoy (1931–2007) Indian Yoga Teacher
Want of compassion is not to be numbered among the general faults of mankind. The black ingredient which fouls our disposition is envy. Hence our eyes, it is to be feared, are seldom turned up to those who are manifestly greater, better, wiser, or happier than ourselves, without some degree of malignity, we commonly look downward on the mean and miserable with sufficient benevolence and pity.
—Henry Fielding (1707–54) English Novelist, Dramatist
It is lack of love for ourselves that inhibits our compassion toward others. If we make friends with ourselves, then there is no obstacle to opening our hearts and minds to others.
—Unknown
I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.
—Leo Rosten (1908–97) Polish-born American Humorist, Screenwriter, Writer
But if we have the energy of compassion and loving kindness in us, the people around us will be influenced by our way of being and living.
—Thich Nhat Hanh (1926–2022) Vietnamese Buddhist Religious Leader, Teacher, Author, Peace Activist
A kind word is like a Spring day.
—Russian Proverb
The human spirit is not dead. It lives on in secret… It has come to believed that compassion, in which all ethics must take root, can only attain its full breadth and depth if it embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind.
—Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) French Theologian, Musician, Philosopher, Physician
Difficult as it is really to listen to someone in affliction, it is just as difficult for him to know that compassion is listening to him.
—Simone Weil (1909–1943) French Philosopher, Political Activist
Compassion automatically brings happiness and calmness. Then, even if you receive disturbing news, it will be easier to take, as your mind is still.
—The 14th Dalai Lama (b.1935) Tibetan Buddhist Religious Leader, Civil Rights Leader, Philosopher, Author
Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation.
—Henry Ward Beecher (1813–87) American Clergyman, Writer
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