On Compassion

What is compassion? I say it’s looking toward someone less fortunate than yourself and feeling desirous to help them in whatever way they need most. Compassion, then, must first be intrinsically motivated, from one’s heart, and second be voluntarily displayed, as a freely chosen course of action. When the action is preceded by a threat of violence, it cannot be a compassionate act. It follows, then, that forced charity, state welfare, and the like are neither founded on nor maintained by compassion. On the contrary, they are founded on covetousness, envy, and ultimately, hatred. And that’s today’s two cents.

Skyler.