• New
  • Inspiration
  • Knowledge
  • Action
  • 7 Habits
    • Caring
    • Exercise
    • Flow
    • Meaning
    • Positivity
    • Relationships
    • Strengths

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in Inspiration
Search in Knowledge
Search in Action

10 Dec2020

share

What Is Compassion?

10 Dec 2020
share

Compassion literally means “to suffer together.” Among emotion researchers, it is defined as the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another’s suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering.

To see the original article click here.

Compassion is not the same as empathy or altruism, though the concepts are related. While empathy refers more generally to our ability to take the perspective of and feel the emotions of another person, compassion is when those feelings and thoughts include the desire to help. Altruism, in turn, is the kind, selfless behaviour often prompted by feelings of compassion, though one can feel compassion without acting on it, and altruism isn’t always motivated by compassion.

While cynics may dismiss compassion as touchy-feely or irrational, scientists have started to map the biological basis of compassion, suggesting its deep evolutionary purpose. This research has shown that when we feel compassion, our heart rate slows down, we secrete the “bonding hormone” oxytocin, and regions of the brain linked to empathy, caregiving, and feelings of pleasure light up, which often results in our wanting to approach and care for other people.

Tags

  • Caring

You might like

  • Caring For Animals

    Inspiration

  • 12 Simple Ways to be a More Caring Person

    Action

  • Surprising Benefits Of Having A Dog

    Knowledge

  • The Power of Caring

    Inspiration

  • Science of Caring

    Knowledge

  • The Fundamentals Of Caring

    Action

Get free tips to live your best, most fulfilling life

  • About Wondrlust
  • How the site works
  • New
  • Inspiration
  • Knowledge
  • Action
  • Wondrlust TV
  • Wondrlust Radio
  • Wondrlust News
  • Resilience
  • WL Foundation
  • Let’s chat
  • About iMediasport
© Wondrlust 2025

7 habits

  • Caring
  • Exercise
  • Flow
  • Meaning
  • Positivity
  • Relationships
  • Strengths

Latest from blog

Is it possible to Design a Peak Customer Experience?
Reboot your 2019
A Life Too Short
Trying to be grateful – which at 8pm and still in the of...
The WondrAcademy

© Wondrlust 2025