The love of liberty that is not a real principle of dutiful behavior to authority is as hypocritical as the religion that is not productive of a good life.
Joseph ButlerRead
However, without considering this connection, there is no doubt but that more good than evil, more delight than sorrow, arises from compassion itself; there being so many things which balance the sorrow of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Compassion brings more joy than sorrow, and its positive aspects outweigh the negatives.
In this quote, Joseph Butler reflects on the nature of compassion, suggesting that while it might be connected to sorrow and suffering, the overall impact of compassion is one of joy and goodness. He emphasizes that the positive outcomes derived from compassion far exceed any adverse feelings, highlighting the importance of empathy in human relationships and the balance it creates in life.
Themes
CompassionJoySorrowGoodnessEmpathy
In practice
Example use cases
A motivational speech about community service could include this quote to highlight the value of helping others.
More from Joseph Butler
All quotes →The private interest of the individual would not be sufficiently provided for by reasonable and cool self-love alone; therefore the appetites and passions are placed within as a guard and further security, without which it would not be taken due care of.
Joseph ButlerRead
Both our senses and our passions are a supply to the imperfection of our nature; thus they show that we are such sort of creatures as to stand in need of those helps which higher orders of creatures do not.
Joseph ButlerRead
There is a much more exact correspondence between the natural and moral world than we are apt to take notice of.
Joseph ButlerRead
God Almighty is, to be sure, unmoved by passion or appetite, unchanged by affection; but then it is to be added that He neither sees nor hears nor perceives things by any senses like ours; but in a manner infinitely more perfect.
Joseph ButlerRead
That which is the foundation of all our hopes and of all our fears; all our hopes and fears which are of any consideration; I mean a Future Life.
Joseph ButlerRead
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