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Mara Gordon, MD's avatar

This is a great piece. I've been thinking a lot about pity, recently. It is sort of inherently dehumanizing. And subtly different than empathy. Thanks for sharing.

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Kelly Mack's avatar

Thanks Mara! Good point. I think empathy can be a cure for pity.

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Sandra Ann Miller's avatar

I nearly broke my Buddhist group when I led a discussion on Compassion. The truest test is to see if you can have compassion for the worst person you can imagine. And, of course, I mentioned H**ler. More than a few lost their minds. Then I had to explain that compassion isn't condoning, FFS. Why is this hard? Anyway, people need to spend a little more time with critical thinking and compassion, perhaps even a dictionary. For the record, though, I still "pity the fool..." This is yet another great piece, Kelly. Thank you. xo

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Kelly Mack's avatar

Compassion for all is definitely a real struggle. I know I have found my limits at times and keep trying! But thanks so much for the laugh! I definitely subscribe to that particular Mr. T mantra!

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Cal Cates's avatar

Oh, man. The automatic and familiarity of it. Yes...and ew.

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Kelly Mack's avatar

Ew is the perfect response! Thanks Cal!

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