Literary notes about compassion (AI summary)
Compassion in literature is portrayed as both a divine quality and a human impulse, one that inspires acts of mercy and moral reflection. In sacred texts, it is often depicted as an essential attribute of God, urging believers to emulate divine mercy [1, 2, 3]. In narratives, characters experience compassion on a deeply personal level—whether it’s the tender, empathetic connection felt in moments of mutual regret [4] or the steadfast empathy that drives moral and practical decisions, as seen in the increasing sensitivity of Elinor [5]. Moreover, compassion is sometimes set in stark contrast to cruelty and egoism, serving as a corrective force that emphasizes the need for benevolence in the face of human frailty [6, 7].
- And thou, O Lord, art a God of compassion, and merciful, patient, and of much mercy, and true.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And when he passed before him, he said: O the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, patient and of much compassion, and true, 34:7.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - And he coming forth saw a great multitude, and had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - She could only feel with him in a maze of compassion and regret.
— from Anne's House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery - Elinor's compassion for him increased, as she had reason to suspect that the misery of disappointed love had already been known to him.
— from Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - The reason is found in the fact that cruelty is the exact opposite of Compassion.
— from The Basis of Morality by Arthur Schopenhauer - , Compassion is the best possible antidote to Egoism, no less than the most soothing balsam for the world's inevitable suffering.
— from The Basis of Morality by Arthur Schopenhauer