Compassion

I have had a keen interest in the events of World War II and the history of Europe throughout the 20th Century. One major event in German and European history involves the atrocities unleashed by the Nazis (National Socialist Party that Hitler established). The stories that emerged after the Allies (mainly Russian, UK, US, and French troops) liberated Germany and subsequently Europe from the grip of a brutal dictator, Adolf Hitler, are harrowing.

The first question anyone might think of is, how did Hitler and the German people allow the atrocities against Jewish people to happen? Was it a lack of empathy towards the Jews or a lack of compassion? I believe it was a mix of both. However, what essentially enabled them to perform these acts of evil was the lack of compassion, which prevented them from feeling any empathy towards the pain they were imposing on people, including children.

Compassion holds great importance in our lives. Every action we take or decision we make is influenced by our compassion towards someone, something, or ourselves. It's a strong force that builds communities, connections, and relationships. It's as essential as air or water for a living being because, without it, we would be just inanimate objects with no sense of connection with anyone. It's evident in all the wrongdoings, massacres, apartheid, and all the evil we see ourselves surrounded with—one prominent quality missing is compassion. Compassion is the single most important quality that has the ability to change the world and make it better for everyone. Compassion might have different definitions for different folks, but for me, it is the quality that induces within you the feelings where you consider the other person as important, try to see things from their point of view, and sympathize with them.

Any action deprived of compassion is without any consideration of how it might impact others, and that's precisely the beginning of doom. I'd like you to ask yourself how often you think of others when making decisions and performing actions. Maybe sometimes, maybe never. Regardless of what anyone tells you, the most important person in anyone's life is oneself. When you consider others, especially while making important decisions where they might be potentially impacted, it gives a sense of importance to the person. This opens up for the other person to have some connection with you, and in turn, they do the same with you—the other person would consider you the next time.

Compassion has always been one of the qualities I've taken pride in. It's something that I've always held important in my life. Whether in relationships, work, or everyday life, compassion is the building block that has helped me deepen connections, understand others, and empathize with their pain, feelings, and worldviews. I observe that some people around me think about others, while others are more concerned about themselves. This self-centered approach may serve them in the short term, but it often fails to make others feel important or considered. If you spread love and compassion among others, you will often receive the same feeling in return—perhaps not from everyone, but does it matter? Not everyone understands the feeling of compassion immediately; some may take time to build up the same.

Practicing compassion has various benefits, compassionate workplaces have higher employee satisfaction and loyalty, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that organizations with compassionate leaders have better employee retention rates and overall productivity. Compassion has been linked to increased psychological well-being, with a research reporting individuals who practice compassion regularly report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Studies have shown that communities with higher levels of compassion have better overall social health and well-being.

With numerous research-backed evidences, there shouldn't be any doubts over compassion's importance in our lives. Compassion is not an end goal that can be "achieved" but a practice that needs to be continued and improved upon as we navigate through life and its challenges. Compassion can be incorporated through small acts on a daily basis; this could be as simple as offering a smile to a stranger, listening actively to a friend, or volunteering in your community. However, it all starts with educating yourself and others. We can all learn more about compassion through books, articles, and workshops. Understanding the science and benefits of compassion can motivate every one of us to practice it more consistently. The more we spread the word, the more people will be aware, and this can help create a ripple effect, inspiring others to practice compassion as well. For generations, we have witnessed the cruelty imposed on others, and the major contributor, I believe, has been the missing quality of compassion. While we hope and work for a better world, many people suffer every day from discrimination, abuse, and hatred—most of the time, it's irrational and derived from a lack of compassion for others. If we were to sit and look at things from the perspective of others, wouldn't we have more clarity on what it is like being them? Then perhaps we would take a more informed approach and collectively try to build a better world for each and all of us.

Let's take a look at Nelson Mandela. Mandela's compassion was evident in his commitment to reconciliation and unity in a deeply divided nation. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activities, Mandela emerged not with a desire for revenge, but with a vision of forgiveness and nation-building.

One of his most notable acts of compassion was the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which aimed to uncover the truth about human rights violations that occurred during apartheid and promote healing and forgiveness. This process allowed both victims and perpetrators to share their stories, fostering understanding and paving the way for national reconciliation. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world to fight for human rights and foster peace through compassion and understanding. We have various role models just like Mandela who inspire us with their compassion and dedication to making the world a better place. Figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, who championed nonviolent resistance, and Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor, remind us of the profound impact compassion can have on society. Their stories teach us that compassion is not just about feeling empathy for others but taking action to alleviate suffering and promote justice. By following their example, we can all contribute to a more compassionate world.

I love folks who are compassionate towards others even when they're not 'required' to be. For instance, I see many people put up comments on workout videos encouraging others and reminding them that they're loved. People posting with the sole purpose of reminding others how amazing they are, how hard it can get, or that they're proud of them. Love language comes from the compassion that lies within. With this, we can change the world and certainly strive to make it a better place to live for each and every one of us, regardless of anyone's religion, skin color, or sexuality. Discrimination and hate arise from the lack of compassion; inclusion and love thrive with open hearts, embracing souls, and infinite connection.