Summary

Abrams begins this chapter by creating a definition of compassion that encompasses both the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu’s ideas. Ultimately, compassion connects empathy to one’s actions and thoughts, and it allows one to have empathy for the suffering of others. While the Dalai Lama claims compassion comes from “our mother’s nurturing,” Abrams points out that it is a skill that can be cultivated as well (252). Compassion is a mental tool one can develop and then “use to extend our circle of compassion beyond our immediate family to others,” ultimately helping one recognize “our shared humanity” (253).

Abrams begins the dialogue of this chapter by asking the Dalai Lama to explain to skeptics how to be compassionate toward other’s problems despite having problems of one’s own. To the Dalai Lama, the answer is a matter...