Compassion

I see plenty of conformity in the world and very little compassion. In my own small patch of the world, I watch from my window as neighbors who appear conservative and respectable show little consideration for others in how they park their cars or maintain their property. Those who walk the streets socially networking on their smart phones often are incapable of the simplest social response to a friendly smile or "hello".  This is dysfunction on a massive social scale.

 

The secular person, who does not act responsibly out of fear of divine patriarchal retribution, is an adult. This requires informed responsibility for his/her words and actions toward others. Ethics do not motivate loving behavior toward oneself or others. Compassion does. Ethical actions, as dissected by politicians, lawyers and judges, are often determined by cost-profit analysis. Compassion has no ledger. Compassion is a developed state of mind and being.

 

A secular humanist, in my opinion, practices compassionate words, thoughts and behavior as part of a quest for personal development. In the vivid recognition that this one life is a limited opportunity to fully experience the best of what it means to be human and alive, the secular humanist tries to use each and every moment for betterment of self and environment. Compassion is the key to that process. Understanding the lives of others. Understanding the life of this marvelous and rare planet. Understanding my own mind and body. These are the processes that lead to compassion in the moment. Compassion in the moment creates peace and joy for the person who experiences it and bestows it.