Compassion: An inherent human trait
7 billion people in the world, and it still is safe to conclude that, not one person might entirely know and understand the journey of another; his steps, turns and route of life. We all have different stories of our own for the world, and it’s hard enough to try and figure out what’s happening with us, let alone understand someone else. But this feeling, this beautiful trait called compassion, is the one thing that unites all of us, across geographical, political, professional or any other boundary.
Unlike the old days, most people seem to be focused on themselves and have little time or interest to sit around and do things that might not matter in a materialistic world. Truly at an age like this, it is nothing less than crucial for all of us to be empathetic. If we don’t learn to lend at least an ear to what another has to say, wouldn’t the universe be stripped of the sole emotion meant to hold us all together? On a planet of billions, each with their own struggle, how can we not be more human and help each other with compassion?
There is a famous quote by Stephen Covey, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.”
With all this growing indifference around us, perhaps the best thing to do would be to listen to empathize. As a human, we’ve been blessed with emotion. Why not use it to be part of someone’s happiness, or to help someone through their grief? When we make decisions that are sure to affect someone else’s life as well, take them with utmost care. Put yourself in their shoes, and see if it harms you in any way. Think and act, for all our actions have consequences. Let’s not cause more harm to people, but spread joy.
Neuroscientist Jordan Grafman, in a brain imaging study, showed that the ‘pleasure centres’ in the brain show equal activity when we see someone donate to charity, as when we receive money ourselves. Being compassionate, helping people out has its own benefits for ourselves as well. Strong social connection and compassion have also contributed to the successful survival of our species till date.
Charles Darwin writes, “for those communities which include the greatest number of the most sympathetic members, would flourish best, and rear the greatest number of offspring.”
All this only adds to the fact that compassion is inherent in us. Rather than keeping it hidden away, stacked in the unused shelves of our brain, bring it out. Connect, share, and smile. Be compassionate. Our own lives are very fragile, that we’re just another speck in all the grandeur of the universe. Perhaps we need to zoom out a bit, occasionally, and look around. Lend a hand. Don’t wait for someone to knock on your door, miserable and hurt to the point of breakdown. Identify and help the ones in need. Do the little thing you can, no matter how insignificant it may seem, for every little would add to something greater, and more important.
