“If it is not tempered by compassion, and empathy, reason can lead men and women into a moral void. (95)”

“I think people believe empathy to be compassion, that compassion is an inner sense (a sense of the soul). But empathy is a sense, while compassion isn't a sense. Empathy is an affinity, a communion, a comprehension. They say that empathy is compassion, but I think that the two are independent of each other. You see, through empathy you will feel what another is feeling, including all those plans for manipulation and persuasion. You will feel everything, not just the parts that make you take compassion for the person, but also all the red flags! You see, empathy is a sense that works with the other senses such as foresight and intuition. So, we can feel compassion but we have to move with empathy.”

“Were we incapable of empathy – of putting ourselves in the position of others and seeing that their suffering is like our own – then ethical reasoning would lead nowhere. If emotion without reason is blind, then reason without emotion is impotent.”

“Education leads to enlightenment. Enlightenment opens the way to empathy. Empathy foreshadows reform.”

“Beer can lead men to think they're mighty and foul-mouthed women to believe themselves amusing and hip.”

“Understanding begets empathy and compassion even for the meanest beggar - Oromis”