Differences Between Compassion And Compassion

Within literature, Compassion has been described in many ways though very few descriptions have agreed on how it is best identified (Volpintesta 2011). Crowther et al (2013) describe compassion as a deep emotion that is felt by the individual practitioner allowing them to understand what the patient may be experiencing. Nussbaum (2003) argues that compassion goes beyond just understanding and identifying that emotion, it requires the practitioner to produce a response to the feeling or emotion in order to improve the situation. Dewar (2011) points out that compassion is not only about the recognition of the patients suffering but includes small

Compassion has little to no boundries. In almost every great story there is a specific character or a group of characters that help the protagonist because they feel bad for them. Compassion is the most important aspect of a functioning society; therefore, Elie Wiesel’s Night, 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose, and the generosity of spirit shown by the average citizen after the recent shooting in Las Vegas are all perfect examples.

The essay, On Compassion By Barbara Lazear Ascher, addresses the subject by going beyond the origin and reasoning for compassion. Her interpretation of compassion involves the way people are able to empathize with it. The use of rhetorical devices allows the author to adequately teach readers the idea of compassion. The use of organization, figurative language, and ethos allows her to convey the concept of compassion through her feelings. Her portrayal grants readers the ability to express compassion in their own way.

This documentary will be used to display the personal level behind compassion fatigue by telling the stories of actual

Compassion can change lives and it can change

Dalai Lama once said “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.” But how does one learn how to love or feel compassion for others? People all around the world wonder why the feel compassion for others. Most people feel compassion because it helps them understand how others are feeling so they can respond appropriately to a certain situation. Barbara Lazear Ascher, a former attorney and a current author, focused on compassion and how it is developed by people. Ascher’s purpose is to show that compassion is not something that you are born with, it is something that you have to learn and practice throughout your lifetime. A way to practice compassion is when you see homeless. Ascher’s reaches her

“On Compassion” exhibits the changes in which humans have encountered that contributed to the trait of care and compassion in us

The definition of compassion is sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. Another definition of compassion is from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 33). This quote is from Atticus Finch, who is a moral character in the novel. Source A describes two people with lots of compassion. One of the people was very generous and had the opportunity to steal a man’s wallet, yet he chose to help the man by replacing the ruined bills and cleaning up his cards.

Compassion is a very complex, and often times, confusing aspect of human nature. Compassion is thought by some to be an innate human emotion that is the separating force between humans and animals. Others would argue that compassion in humans is influenced by the environments and situations in which they are exposed to and can be mistaken for selfish ulterior motives or fear. The essay On Compassion by Barbara Lazear Ascher tells her view of compassion through events she has experienced with homeless people, compassion shown towards them, and how these experiences shaped her opinion on the emotion. Ascher explains her perspective on compassion through her thesis in the passage stating “Compassion is not a character trait like a sunny disposition.

To me compassion is helping someone through dark or rough times. Showing that you care and are there for them. My Dad (a retired veteran) works at the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center. Every year they hold Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. These dinners, however, are for homeless and/or disabled veterans. Those who can’t afford it or don’t have a family to have it with. Without the center there would be countless vets who have served our country, out on the streets. These dinners are important to them. Compassion is needed in this ditch we call Earth.

To me, compassion means to show sympathy for someone that is feeling pain; physically or emotionally. Compassion also means to show kindness to one another when in rough times. When an individual shows compassion to someone else, they comfort them, or make them feel better. It can also mean when someone sees need for one, and helps them. For example, a sign of compassion can be donating to a homeless shelter. Therefore, compassion can be expressed in many ways. Compassion is like a contagious illness. If you get it, you give it and if everyone showed compassion, everyone would receive it. Compassion is very important.

Compassion is learned through experience and seeing those less fortunate; it brings out sympathy because one cannot ignore it when unfortunate people are everywhere.

Are people born with a complete quandary when it comes to compassion or is it something that has always been there? Barbara Lazear Ascher, born in 1946, writes, “On Compassion.” Having lived in New York City, Ascher is able to take first hand examples from the city to show the affection people have towards each other. Ascher is able to illustrate that compassion is something that has to be taught because of the adversity at people’s heels by including tone, persuasive appeals, and the mode of comparing and contrast in her essay, “On Compassion.”

Often when using the words of empathy and compassion, many people envision them as having similar meaning. While they may share similar circumstances, they are actually quite different. Empathy is more of an emotional response with an understanding of a person’s particular situation; whereas compassion is an emotion that arouses an active response to alleviate a distressful situation. Nevertheless, these dissimilar expressions are paramount in the way people respond to the individual needs of others and how they reach out to others in their local communities. Barbara Lazear Ascher’s essay “On Compassion” not only creatively offers a very detailed description of the day in the life in New York City, but effectively draws a picture of

An individual is told they have to volunteer as an assignment. Unwillingly, they proceed to the local shelter to help wash dishes and cook for the homeless thinking: “I don’t have time for this”, and “this doesn’t help me”. Little do they know, they are unconsciously helping their self in more ways than one. That person leaves the shelter feeling refreshed and reconnected. They feel more mindful, compassionate, and confident. After volunteering they have an overall mood and attitude change. Why is this? Because even though they didn’t have the intention of being compassionate, they feel happier for doing so. This isn’t mere coincidence though, multiple studies show that compassion often times leads to happiness for many reasons. It may shift focus from negative to positive events, raise ones self-esteem and confidence, and even increase a sense of abundance in your life. So how do you become happier? Show more compassion!