Quotes About Compassion

justice makes charity less necessary

We chose too small a word in the decade of my birth—tolerance—to make the world we want to live in now. We opened to the racial difference that had been there all along, separate but equal, and to a new infusion of religions, ethnicities, and values. But tolerance doesn't welcome. It allows, endures, indulges. In the medical lexicon, it is about the limits of thriving in an unfavorable environment.

we will continue to despise people until we have recognized, loved, and accepted what is despicable in ourselves.

It's not about healing the world by making a huge difference. It's about healing the world that touches you, that's around you.

W. H. Auden, "We must love one another or die." That is, I think, where we are at the beginning of the 21st century. And since we really can love one another, I have a great deal of hope.

there are "near enemies" to every great virtue—reactions that come from a place of care in us, and which feel right and good, but which subtly take us down an ineffectual path.

We now know that doing good to others, having a network of strong and supportive relationships, and having a sense that one's life is worthwhile are the three greatest determinants of happiness.

But they're family, and you forgive them, even if they are human equivalent of hyenas. Because that's what you do, Posey. Forgive.

It's just that sometimes you love a kid just because they need it. Not because they deserve it, not because you really like them…just because they need love.

Don't be nice to me," she whispered, though she didn't move away. "I might cry if you are.

That moment when she'd crouched behind the tree…it did something to her, something that made her grow up and toughen up. But one question throbbed in her brain for a long, long time. Why? Why would Liam say something so hateful? How could he—who had tamed a stray and starving cat—be so cruel to a girl who had only ever wanted to be his friend?

When you're feeling sorry for yourself, do something nice for someone else.

My blood pressure surges. Folks, unless you've walked the walk, never tell a widow it's time she moved on.

I was pretty sure that somewhere in the mother's handbook, it said your kids shouldn't have to bribe you to get hugged.

I have to believe that Adam was not the intended recipient of that hideous, disgusting picture. How do gynecologists do it all day, look between the legs of their patients and not just…just throw up?

You'll be surprised at how kind most people are.

All I can say is...she's been a good friend. And in her own special way, she's a ball of insecurities, but so aren't we all, right?

I opened the night table drawer and closed it fast. Okay, then. Mom still had womanly needs. Good for her. I'd get some eye bleach and erase that memory, stat.

Sometimes you never know how much those little things matter.

I just don't want you to look back on your life twenty years from now, Maggie, and see all the things you could have done," Mom says, blowing her nose again. "I think I'll look back and see all the things I did do, Mom," I say, a little starch creeping into my voice. "I'll see that I fed people and welcomed them, I helped them and kept them company... those are good things, Mom.

Parenthood was ninety percent forgiveness, ten percent lies and a hundred percent love

Sympathy, not pity. There's a huge difference, and we widows appreciate it, let me tell you.

Hate no one, for hate is a starving beast who has just found its prey.

You saved me a long time ago