###### 🔑 The near-enemy of compassion is pity >“Instead of feeling the openness of [[☀️ Compassion|compassion]], [[💡 Pity|pity]] says, “Oh that poor person, I feel sorry for people like that.” Pity sees them as different from ourselves. It sets up a separation between ourselves and others, a sense of distance and remoteness from the suffering of others that is affirming and gratifying to the self. >Compassion on the other hand, recognizes the suffering of another as a reflection of our own pain. “I understand this, I suffer in the same way” It is empathetic, a mutual connection with the pain and sorrow of life. Compassion is shared suffering.” >— [[👤 Jack Kornfield]] [^1]: