Core Psychological Elements

These are the fundamental building blocks of compassion:

• Motivation: Inner drive to help.
• Empathy: Ability to feel others’ experiences.
• Action: Physical manifestation to alleviate suffering.

Influencing Factors

These qualities deepen and enrich compassionate behavior:

• Kindness: Nurtures human connections.
• Love: Deepens commitment to others.
• Altruism: Inspires selfless acts.

“Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”
Albert Schweitzer

“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.”
Amelia Earhart

A very simple way to spread more happiness in your own little world is through kindness. It’s often an easy and quick thing you can do as you move through your daily life.

But we sometimes forget about it. Or don’t remember how it can help us all.

Three things that I like to keep in mind and that help me to try to be a kinder person are these:

• I get what I give. Yes, some people will be ungrateful, miserable and not reciprocating no matter what you may do. But most people will over time treat you as you treat them.
• By being kinder to others I am more likely to be kinder to myself. It may sound a bit odd but my experience is that when I am kinder towards others then my self-esteem goes up.
• It creates a happier place to live in. Being kinder simply makes my own little world a nicer and happier place to live in.

So how can you start spreading the kindness and happiness in your daily life?

Here are 15 simple ways to do it.

Pick one of them that resonates with you and start using it today.

1. Express your gratitude. 

Think about what you can be grateful for about someone in your life.

Maybe that he is a good listener, that he often is quick to help out or that he always adds great songs to a Spotify playlist. Or simply that he held up the door for you.

Then express that gratitude in a simple “thank you!” or in a sincere sentence or two.

2. Replace the judgments. 

No one likes to be judged. And the more you judge other people the more you tend to judge yourself.

So despite the temporary benefit of deriving pleasure from the judgments it is not a good or smart long-term habit.

When you feel the urge to judge ask yourself: what is one kind thing I can think or do in this situation instead?

3. Replace the unconstructive criticism. 

Try encouragement instead of excessive criticism. It helps people to both raise their self-confidence and to do a better job.

And it will make things more fun and more light-hearted in the long run.

4. Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. 

It is quite easy to resort to unkindness when you see things just from your perspective.

Two questions that help me to see and to better understand other viewpoints are:

• How would I think and feel it if I were in his or her shoes?
• What parts of this person can I see in myself?

5. Recall how people’s kindness made you feel.

Just sit down for a few minutes and try to recall one time or a few times when other people’s kindness really touched you and helped you out.

Then think about how you can do those very same things for someone in your life.

6. Express kindness for something you may often take for granted.

It is easy to remember and to feel motivated to express kindness when someone is having a rough time or have just finished an important project.

But also remember to express kindness and encouragement for how someone continues to put so much love into the dinners you eat. Or for being on time every day and doing their job well and keeping deadlines.

7. Hide a surprising and kind note.

Leave a small note with a loving or encouraging sentence in your partner’s or child’s lunchbox, hat, tea-container or book that he or she is reading right now.

That minute of your time will put a smile on her face and joy and motivation in her heart.

8. Just be there.

Listen – without thinking about something else – when someone needs to vent.

Just be there fully with your attention.

Or have a conversation and help someone find his or her way out of fear and to a more constructive and grounded perspective.

9. Remember the small acts of kindness too.

Let someone into your lane while driving. Let someone skip ahead of you in a line if he’s in a real hurry.

Hold up the door for someone or ask if they need help when you see them standing around with a map and a confused look.

10. Give someone an uplifting gift.

Someone in your life may have a a tough time right now. Then send him or her an inspirational book or movie. 

Or simply send an email with a link to something inspiring or funny that you have found like a blog, podcast or a comic.

11. Help someone out practically.

Give them a hand when moving or with making dinner or arrangements before a party.

If they need information, then help out by googling it or by asking knowledgeable people that you know.

12. Help the people in your life see how they make a difference in their lives.

When you talk to someone about his or her day or what has been going on lately then make sure to point out how he or she also has spread kindness and happiness.

People are often unaware of the positive things they do or they minimize them in their own minds.

So help them to see themselves in a more positive light and to improve their own self-esteem.

13. Remember the 3 reasons for kindness at the start of this article.

It will help you to be kinder even when you may not always feel much like it.

If you like, write those reasons down on a piece of paper and put that note where you can see it every day.

14. Pay it forward.

When someone does something kind for you – no matter how big or small – then try to pay that forward by being kind to someone else as soon as you can.

15. Be kinder towards yourself.

Then you will naturally treat other people with more kindness too. It is truly a win-win habit.

A simple way to start being kinder toward yourself is to each evening write down 3 things you appreciate about yourself and about what you have done that day in a journal.

 

In everything from high-performing workplaces and healthy relationships, compassion isn’t a bonus; it’s a baseline. It’s what builds trust before strategy, creates space for honest conversations and turns stress into solidarity. Compassion lets people feel safe to take risks, admit mistakes and support each other without fear of judgment. When we lead with heart, we create an environment where people don’t just function, they thrive. The compassion quotes below illustrate this and more.

Every day gives us a new opportunity to be compassionate and kind. A quiet word, a thoughtful gesture, a moment of patience—these are a few ways compassion shows up in real life. It’s how we listen when someone’s struggling and how we speak to ourselves when we fall short. These quotes about compassion and empathy offer a gentle reminder: how we treat others (and ourselves) matters more than we often realize. 

Powerful Quotes About Kindness and Compassion  

Kindness and compassion go hand in hand—one is the action and the other is the intention behind it. Together, they form the foundation of meaningful relationships, strong communities and emotionally healthy workplaces. These phrases of compassion show how recognizing someone’s pain doesn’t require grand acts. In fact, simply listening without judgment, offering help without being asked and treating ourselves and others with gentleness all go a long way. 

• “The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.” ―John Green, Looking for Alaska
• “No one has ever become poor by giving.” ―Anne Frank, Diary of Anne Frank: The Play
• “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” ―R.J. Palacio, Wonder
• “Finally, to save the world, you must have compassion. You must ache for the poor and disenfranchised. You must fear for the vulnerable.” —William McRaven
• “I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.” ―Mother Teresa, A Gift for God: Prayers and Meditations
• “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” —John F. Kennedy
• “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” ―Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
• “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”―Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
• “Blessed are you who chooses to show up without judgment / with little gifts or small acts of practical help. / You know the gift of compassion.” —Kate Bowler
• “Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.” ―Fred Rogers, You Are Special: Words of Wisdom for All Ages from a Beloved Neighbor
• “If we are willing to stand fully in our own shoes and never give up on ourselves, then we will be able to put ourselves in the shoes of others and never give up on them.” ―Pema Chödrön, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
• “Give freely to the world these gifts of love and compassion. Do not concern yourself with how much you receive in return, just know in your heart it will be returned.” ―Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
• “I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong.” —Jacinda Ardern

Related: 60+ Empathy Quotes to Inspire Understanding

Inspirational Quotes About Compassion to Foster Connection

Compassion is one of the most powerful tools we have for creating genuine connection, both in our personal lives and in the workplace. When we approach others with empathy and care, we break down barriers and foster trust, overcoming differences along the way. 

But compassion isn’t always easy. It can feel vulnerable, and over time, offering care without boundaries can lead to compassion fatigue. Still, when practiced mindfully, compassion can be the bridge that turns conflict into collaboration. These famous quotes about compassion can help us do just that. 

• “All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being, not just with my hands but with my heart.” ―Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me
• “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ―Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness
• “One man practicing kindness in the wilderness is worth all the temples this world pulls.” ―Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
• “Compassionate leadership means seeing employees both as individuals and as important parts of your organization. Compassionate leaders relate to their employees on a deeper level. They want to understand their team’s needs and provide the support they need to do their jobs well.” —Tony Robbins
• “There’s a large body of scientific evidence that those who serve others live longer, happier and more purposeful lives.” —Cory Keyes
• “True compassion does not come from wanting to help out those less fortunate than ourselves but from realizing our kinship with all beings.” ―Pema Chodron, Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living
• “I have no idea what’s awaiting me, or what will happen when this all ends. For the moment, I know this: there are sick people and they need curing.” ―Albert Camus, The Plague
• “Compassion is all-inclusive. Compassion knows no boundaries. Compassion comes with awareness, and awareness breaks all narrow territories.” ―Amit Ray, Nonviolence: The Transforming Power
• “A compassionate leader not only drives success but also fosters a positive and inclusive workplace culture.” —Edward DeAngelis

Related: What’s the Secret of the Best Places to Work? 

Compassion Quotes for Work to Create Strong Teams 

Strong teams aren’t built on strategy alone—they’re built on connection, trust and compassion. When team members feel seen, valued and supported, collaboration deepens and performance improves. Compassion in the workplace isn’t just a soft skill. It’s a powerful force that fosters resilience, loyalty and shared purpose. These inspirational quotes about compassion show how it can be the glue that holds high-performing teams together. 

• “I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.” ―Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
• “Everyone has to matter. Everyone deserves respect and our effort to understand them and help them achieve whatever well‑being is possible for them.” —Atul Gawande
• “The small moments that may seem trivial… matter – more than you may realize…. Just 40 seconds of compassion can lower anxiety and create connection.” —Michael Kerr
• “[T]hough mindfulness and selflessness and compassion may sound slightly fluffy or weird, it’s really about having that ability to check in with what matters to human beings, whether they’re employees or leaders or children.” —Rasmus Hougaard
• “If one person forgives another person today, it makes two people’s lives easier! If you come from a place of forgiveness. It’s just more love for you!” —Gary Vaynerchuk
• “Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Try to feel what they feel. Try to hurt like they hurt. Have sympathy and compassion.” —Jim Rohn
• “Communicating with clarity, purpose, passion, and honesty will enable you to serve others in a profound way.” —Janice Bryant Howroyd
• “A compassionate leader builds trust and encourages and welcomes their employees to bring their whole selves to work, flaws and all. Employees are less stressed and more committed to getting their work done faster and with fewer mistakes.” —Heidi Lynne Kurtner
• “We are all different. Don’t judge, understand instead.” ―Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
• “Compassion is what makes us human, keeps us on track, and brings us back together when we’ve lost our way.” ―Nate Regier, Compassionate Accountability: How Leaders Build Connection and Get Results
• “If you’re asking how to create a more empathetic workplace, you’re already way ahead of everybody else.” —Daniel Lubetzky

Related: Why a Compassionate Leader Gets Results

Self-Compassion Quotes to Help You Be Your Best 

In a culture that often celebrates relentless productivity and self-criticism as virtues, self-compassion can feel like a radical act. But as these mindful self-compassion quotes remind us, caring for ourselves is not indulgent; it’s essential. True compassion starts within by acknowledging our struggles without judgment. It means speaking to ourselves with kindness and choosing gentleness over shame.

• “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” ―Jack Kornfield, Buddha’s Little Instruction Book
• “And it’s really hard to be truly kind. To have kind thoughts towards yourself, or towards someone you don’t agree with. But it’s the Seed, that will grow into action, if you nurture it.” —Sandra Oh
• “Self-compassion simply involves… giving yourself the same compassion you’d naturally show a friend when you’re struggling or feeling badly about yourself.… Instead of just ignoring your pain with a “stiff upper lip” mentality or getting carried away by your negative thoughts and emotions, you stop to tell yourself ‘this is really difficult right now, how can I comfort and care for myself in this moment?’” —Kristin Neff
• “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ―Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness
• “The choice to care for one’s self is non-negotiable when we experience burnout because otherwise we will just keep going in the way it’s going and then nobody is going to be happy.” —Chris Germer
• “The only thing that was ever wrong with me was my belief that there was something wrong with me. I quit spending my life trying to control myself and began to trust myself. We only control what we don’t trust. We can either control ourselves or love ourselves, but we can’t do both. Love is the opposite of control. Love demands trust.” ―Glennon Doyle, Untamed
• “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals. Only when we know our own darkness well can we be present with the darkness of others. Compassion becomes real when we recognize our shared humanity.” ―Pema Chödrön, The Places That Scare You: A Guide to Fearlessness in Difficult Times
• “[C]ompassion can be practiced on ourselves where we each day try to reinforce, ‘How am I valuable? How am I capable and how am I responsible for me every day?’ That way, we can be that anchor in the storm and keep that centered focus when everything seems to be going crazy around us.” —Nate Regier

‘Be Compassionate’ Sayings to Help Us Create a Better World

In a world that often rewards achievement over empathy, compassion—both for others and ourselves—has never been more essential. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating personal growth or simply trying to show up each day with intention, kindness can be a powerful tool for change. These original quotes by SUCCESS® contributors are reminders that creating a better world starts with how we treat each other—and how we treat ourselves. Use them to find personal motivation or to motivate your team. 

• “You deserve the kindness you give.”
• “Rest is not retreat. It’s repair.”
• “Speak to yourself like someone you trust.”
• “Progress counts more than pressure.”
• “Kindness is a strategy with no downside.”
• “Lead with care, and trust will follow.”
• “Compassion costs nothing but means everything.”
• “Listening is the quietest form of love.”
• “Grace belongs in your own inbox too.”
• “You’re doing the best you can. That matters.”
• “You don’t have to fix it—just see it.”
• “Respect is policy. Compassion is culture.”

Compassion Is How We Move Forward—Together

This world is challenging, filled with disconnection and hardships. Compassion can a powerful force for connection, healing and change. When we lead with empathy, practice kindness without expectation and extend grace to ourselves and others, we create spaces where people feel valued, understood and supported. Let these care and compassion quotes remind you that every small act of kindness can ripple outwards, and that compassion has the power to transform the world around us, one person at a time. 

Photo from fizkes/Shutterstock.com

In competitive sports, the focus is usually on victory—the handshake, the medal, the celebration. In one viral TikTok posted by Edgar Alcala (@3dgaralcala), the most unforgettable part came after the match was over.

A young boy had just finished his jiu-jitsu round. The referee raised his hand in victory, but instead of basking in the spotlight, his eyes darted toward the lineup of kids. One competitor was standing off to the side, left out of the group huddle. Without hesitation, the boy reached out his hand, beckoning the last child to join them.

It was a small gesture that spoke volumes. Even the referee paused, visibly moved, as the boy made sure no one was excluded. The video has racked up over 12.3 million views in just two days, sparking conversations about empathy, sportsmanship, and the quiet ways kids lead by example.

Related: True sportsmanship—character that goes beyond the game

Why this is more than a sports highlight

This scene shows how kids can absorb empathy and inclusion when they see it modeled in everyday life.

Acts like this grow from countless small lessons—how to treat others, what to do when someone is left out, and why kindness matters. In that moment, the boy’s focus was on making sure everyone felt part of the celebration.

Sportsmanship starts long before the match

Parents often hope sports will teach their children values like teamwork, discipline, and respect. Moments like this prove sportsmanship is rooted in connection.

When kids learn to spot who’s on the sidelines and invite them in, they’re practicing skills that carry into every part of life: building empathy, strengthening friendships, and learning how to navigate social situations with kindness.

Teaching kids to handle victory and inclusion with grace

Gestures like this often come from what kids see and experience every day. Psychiatrist Dr. Leesha M. Ellis-Cox, who works with children and teens, says sportsmanship is learned. Kids notice how we respond to wins, losses, and the people around us.

Parents can show what that looks like—congratulating others, respecting officials, and recognizing effort as much as results. Dr. Leesha suggests celebrating a win while also teaching humility by thanking teammates and coaches and making space for others in the moment.

Supporting kids after a tough game, setting clear boundaries around unkind behavior, and creating chances to acknowledge others can shape a healthy attitude toward competition. These habits help kids step into games, school, and friendships with confidence and empathy.

Related: How to help your child win–and lose–graciously

What people are saying

The TikTok’s comments section has turned into a standing ovation for the boy, and for the values he’s already showing at such a young age:

• @benulus: “no cause that WHY he’s No.1.”
• @emmaelger: “The finger reaching to the last kid so everyone is included.”
• @Tl____12: “Champ, well done mum and dad.”
• @eina598: “Ok but who raised this baby.”

Related: This viral Little League moment is a brilliant display of empathy and healthy masculinity

Raising kids who lead with empathy

When children grow up in spaces where inclusion is the norm, they carry that mindset into every interaction—on the mat, in the classroom, and beyond.

Small, unprompted acts of kindness like this are proof that the values children absorb today shape the way they’ll treat others tomorrow. And that’s a win worth celebrating.

As the red-spotted planet sounds a global call for empathy, kindness and compassion are very much in; they say, “For the many people around the world, including in this country, who’ve lost their homes through illegal deportations, war, and economic strife, here’s our fervent wish that Jupiter in Cancer brings healing and justice.”