Week Three - Post Two

Compassion contributes to overall happiness immensely. Compassion is defined as the feeling that arises when one witnesses another's suffering and wants to help relieve that suffering. There are three stages of compassion: empathy, feelings (distress or caregiving urges), and judgements (about the self, others, the setting, and society).  Contrary to popular belief, it is different from empathy, mimicry, and pity, although they all do share some key principles.Since the formation of religions such as Christianity and Buddhism, it has been widely known that compassion is one of the primary pathways to human happiness and the "good life", as it is written into holy religious books as such. However, this concept has been proven in the modern day as well. Researchers have found that compassion can lead to happiness in many ways. Empathy, which is part of compassion, makes people more socially adept. Compassion itself leads to reduced distress, self-efficacy, and increased comfort with others, leading to more social connections. The reasoning behind why humans are compassionate is simple; evolutionarily, humans need compassion to help get along in communities, help take care of those in need, and raise number of offspring. Compassion can be triggered by images, experiences, and being presented with others who are suffering.

Meaningfulness is derived by giving to other people. Without compassion, it is very unlikely that one can lead a meaningful life, and although they may achieve happiness, it will not be as lasting and as sincere about being happy in a meaningful life. Compassion is centered around giving as well. People give a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on for those who need it. Living this way is a direct route to a happier life. Compassion also revolves around a surrounding community rather than oneself. It helps eliminate selfishness from life, therefore bringing greater happiness.