Why do we lack compassion?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (116239)
United States
March 27, 2026 11:31am CST
I’m not going to depress anyone so I won’t go into the story that prompted me to write this discussion. But it made me wonder when and how people lose their compassion. Is it just getting jaded with life? Is it learned behavior from parents or guardians? Maybe people think if they can handle something others should be able to handle the same thing just as well. Only, it doesn’t work that way. Of course, sometimes you have compassion for others and it turns out to be misplaced. More often not though, I think we have too little over having too much.
11 people like this
11 responses
@augusta123 (7313)
•
3h
I always have compassion for others.
Because I think if you have compassion for others people will also have compassion on you too.
2 people like this
@DianneN (252267)
• United States
1h
@MarieCoyle Exactly. I wanted to name names, but don’t like to discuss politics, religion, or my weight online 
Add bullying, foul language, lies, etc. to the mix.
Add bullying, foul language, lies, etc. to the mix.1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56462)
•
4h
When our own leaders lack compassion, you know that kindness and caring are basically in the toilet. Not caring, lack of compassion or caring in some way or other, is like a pandemic--it spreads like wildfire.
2 people like this
@FourWalls (84361)
• United States
3h
I don’t know why. I just know the Bible says, “Because of the increase in wickedness the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:2). We’re seeing it happen.
2 people like this
@Juliaacv (55308)
• Canada
Just now
I remember when I was in my early 20's, my Petcha (grandfather) told me that about every 5 years the world gets going faster and faster, and that faster was not always a good thing.
To a young person I thought that he was only referring to the way that he felt, as a man in his early 90's maybe, as I could not relate.
But his words have stuck with me over my life.
And I tend to think that he is right.
And many people will refer to times before covid, well that was just over 5 years ago, and times have and do change.
I feel that people put themselves and their own needs and desires ahead of good manners and often respect.
I always try to listen, and think-and take my time responding so that since it will be 'my turn' I can be polite and helpful.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (68500)
• Centralia, Washington
4h
I don't get it either. And compassion for animals, too, not just humans. Once I caught a boy kicking a cat hard in its side. You know me. I yelled at that kid. I let him have it. His answer? "It's my cat. I can do what I want with it!" I fired back. No you can't. Cut it out now or I will find your parents.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (56462)
•
4h
We are supposed to be the stewards of the animals. God gave them to us to care for and the animals provide for us. I will report animal abuse if I see it, and if it involves a pet, I look for an organization locally that will deal with it and get the pet before they basically kill it. I've done it before. If it involves a wild animal of any kind, I call the Department of Wildlife. I cannot stand it...too many years in rescue work.
2 people like this
@LooeyVille (53)
• United States
5h
I sometimes find myself lacking compassion about a couple of things that I feel people could do better for themselves, but it's really not my place to judge. Generally, though, I'm a kind person.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (205161)
• United States
2h
Some people weren't taught it, and didn't learn it at home. Some people seem to be born psychopaths. Sometimes people get frustrated and just let loose even though they know they shouldn't and probably will regret it later. Some people are non compassionate in a group..but don't act that way individually I guess what I am saying it really varies.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (170588)
• United States
2h
We usually have more compassion for people we know than people we don't... Although, in some families, that isn't true.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (131811)
• Marion, Ohio
12m
I feel I am seeing less of it in people each day
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56462)
•
4h
Sometimes, lack of compassion in people seems to go along with the attitudes of the people not showing it, if that makes sense. They just don't care. And some of them can't seem to find a shred of kindness in their heart for anyone other than themselves. And some can't see beyond what they want, what they think, or sadly judging the person or being hurtful. It's really sad, like an epidemic.
1 person likes this
