May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
18 minute read
Compassion is a profound human quality that involves recognizing the suffering of others and being motivated to alleviate it. It's more than just a fleeting feeling; it's a complex interplay of awareness, empathy, and action. At its core, compassion means "to suffer together," reflecting a deep connection with another's experience. This quality is not merely a personal virtue but a significant force in shaping our interactions, communities, and even our professional lives. It is often considered a key component of altruism and is associated with other virtues like patience, kindness, and wisdom.
6s2i1g|
Find a path to becoming a Compassion. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/6s2i1g/compassio
Reading list
We've selected three books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Compassion.
Offers a practical guide to cultivating compassion in our daily lives. Christopher Germer clinical psychologist and a leading expert in mindfulness-based psychotherapy.
Presents the latest scientific evidence on the benefits of compassion for individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological research on compassion and altruism. Daniel Batson social psychologist and a leading expert on the psychology of helping behavior.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/6s2i1g/compassio