Compassion

The golden thread through every tradition

Every major civilization has placed compassion at the center of the good life — the universal ethic.

20th century, Tibet

Tibetan Buddhism

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

Dalai Lama The Art of Happiness

1st century, Palestine

Christianity

Love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus of Nazareth Mark 12:31

5th century BC, China

Confucianism

Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.

Confucius Analects 15.23

7th century, Arabia

Islam

Whoever is not merciful to others, will not be treated mercifully.

Prophet Muhammad Sahih al-Bukhari 6013

20th century, India

Hinduism / Indian Independence

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.

Mahatma Gandhi Attributed

Traditional

Southern African Philosophy

I am because we are.

Ubuntu Philosophy Nguni Bantu philosophy

6th century BC, China

Taoism

Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.

Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching

<blockquote cite="https://quotescosmos.com/wisdom/compassion.html">
  <p>“Every major civilization has placed compassion at the center of the good life — the universal ethic.”</p>
  <footer>— <strong>Compassion</strong>, <cite>Compassion (Primary Source Archive)</cite> (Primary source verified via <a href="https://quotescosmos.com/wisdom/compassion.html">QuotesCosmos</a>)</footer>
</blockquote>

Includes semantic <blockquote cite="..."> attribution & verified archival permalink.

Compassion

Explore Other Themes