A New Way to Think About Compassion
An article by Thom Bond
I would like to propose a new way to think about compassion. Not the aspiration, the event.
As an engineer, for decades, I made a living finding ways to solve new problems. Whether it was installing solar collectors during the eighties or devising LED lighting systems for the NYC subway system during the nineties, throughout my career, I have solved problems, often for less money, while engaging easier and faster methods. Often enough, I relied upon new technologies, though sometimes I would find something that had been around for years.
So, what does an LED lightbulb have to do with compassion? I’m guessing, more than you might think. When I was tasked to save the New York City Transit System as much energy and labor possible, while keeping the 247 miles of train track safe for millions of New Yorkers, I envisioned the use of LED lightbulbs. This was before you could just go buy one for $10. My prototypes cost well over a thousand dollars each. Folks thought I was crazy, spending that much money on lightbulbs. I knew it was worth the risk, despite the upfront time, energy and money. Today, you can see what I saw back then. This one, simple solution, could be used just about everywhere. No modifications required, a single solution that that we could simply screw into almost every existing light fixture in the world, over and over. This one thing multiplied and changed everything.
In 2002 I was tasked with a far more daunting project. Find a way to stop people from hurting and killing one another. Humans had become highly dangerous to one another, and us earthlings needed a solution. If you watch the news today, you will probably see how this problem is still growing and disrupting our journey to becoming a sustainable, evolving, happy species.
My solution, this time was a very old thing, that had been instrumental in our survival and was now going out of style… Compassion. Why compassion? It turns out the profound significance of compassion and its transformative effect on almost all aspects of human society, had become understandably overlooked. Understandably, because it was misunderstood, and most humans, could not figure out how to increase its presence and effect. Thanks to recent breakthroughs we can now cultivate compassion through specific practices and conscious thought.
Compassion impacts politics, the economy, religion, and family systems, and plays a crucial role in enhancing overall well-being for all individuals. Like the LED lightbulb, it was universal and could fit into any human life, regardless of belief, gender, age, country, or language. Like the LED lightbulb, it works everywhere there are humans.
First and foremost, let's understand what compassion really is. Compassion is more than just feeling sympathetic towards others; it involves a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to alleviate the suffering of others. When we practice compassion, we cultivate kindness, understanding, and a willingness to help those in need, regardless of our differences.
In politics, compassion can play a vital role in fostering cooperation, understanding, and the pursuit of justice. Compassionate leaders prioritize the welfare of their citizens, strive to address societal inequalities, and seek diplomatic solutions to conflicts rather than resorting to violence. By promoting inclusivity and empathy, compassionate governance can lead to more equitable policies and a more harmonious society… For everyone.
Similarly, in the economy, compassion can drive positive change by emphasizing fairness, ethical business practices, and social responsibility. Businesses that prioritize compassion tend to prioritize the well-being of their employees, customers, and the communities they operate in. This can lead to greater employee satisfaction, customer loyalty, and long-term sustainability, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
In virtually all religions, compassion is often considered a fundamental virtue, encouraging believers to show kindness and mercy towards others. Many religious teachings emphasize the importance of compassion in building stronger communities, fostering forgiveness, and promoting peace. By practicing compassion, individuals can deepen their spiritual connection and contribute to the greater good of humanity.
Within family systems, compassion forms the foundation of healthy relationships and strong bonds. When family members demonstrate empathy, understanding, and support towards one another, they create a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive emotionally and psychologically. Compassionate parenting plays a crucial role in shaping the values and behavior of future generations.
Despite the profound benefits of compassion, it's important to acknowledge the challenges we face in cultivating this aspect of our human selves. For millennia, war and violence have been ingrained in our culture and economy, leading to widespread institutionalized violence and conflict. This has created a cycle of aggression and retaliation that can be almost impossible to break.
Furthermore, learning to engender compassion requires us to think differently and challenge deeply entrenched beliefs and attitudes. It demands time, patience, and a willingness to step outside of our comfort zones. It's not always easy, but with dedication and practice, we can cultivate a more compassionate mindset and contribute to a more peaceful world.
Additionally, many people may not realize that there are practical alternatives to war, such as dialogue and conflict resolution technologies, that can be learned online for little or no money. By investing in diplomacy, mediation, and Nonviolent Communication training, we can address conflicts more effectively and prevent unnecessary suffering and destruction.
Compassion is not just a moral imperative; it's also a practical necessity for building a better world. By fostering empathy, understanding, and cooperation, we can create societies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals and promote peace and prosperity for generations to come.
It is my hope and dream, that the skills to engender compassion become as popular as LED lightbulbs, and we can bask the light of this beautiful and practical aspect of our human experience.