Definition Compassion Vs Empathy

Where empathy puts you in the shoes of another person s feelings or experiences compassion spurs you to action.

Definition compassion vs empathy. First let us define the two words. Compassion and empathy may be used interchangeably by some people. Empathy means that you feel what a person is feeling. Compassion refers to the ability to understand what a person is experiencing combined with the desire to help.

The compassion group on the other hand created positivity in the minds of the group members. It is for sure that empathy and compassion are two words that are believed to give the same meaning but between which some differences can be observed. This is why experts see compassion as a precursor to empathy. They understand that the desire to help others allows people to put themselves in another s shoes.

Although the meanings are related they are not the same. Although empathy and compassion are similar feelings there is a distinct difference between them. But that s doing a disservice to both words. Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand what another person is feeling.

Compassion is the willingness to relieve the suffering of another. These three interdependent parts must act as a system of practices to ensure that compassion has a built in self regulation. Compassion is more than a definition or description of a concept. The empathy trained group actually found empathy uncomfortable and troublesome.

Compassion refers to sympathetic feeling towards another without attempting to know their feelings or even understanding the intensity of their sufferings. Empathy and compassion are two feelings that are invoked when we see the suffering and misfortune of another.