Compassion Compromises Integrity

The Stoics and Nietzsche expressed skepticism towards compassion, emphasizing that it can undermine personal integrity. They believed that showing compassion could weaken individuals by preventing them from taking responsibility for their circumstances. Martha Nussbaum defines compassion as a painful emotion related to someone's undeserved misfortune. However, Stoics argue that individuals should internalize their challenges, suggesting that even if external circumstances are not their fault, it remains their responsibility to respond wisely. In essence, aiding someone out of compassion may hinder their growth and resilience, as it removes the opportunity for them to enhance their strength in facing adversity.