“Compassion alone stands apart from the continuous traffic between good and evil proceeding within us.”

— Eric Hoffer

Section 139
The Passionate State Of Mind, and Other Aphorisms (1955)
Context: Compassion is probably the only antitoxin of the soul. Where there is compassion even the most poisonous impulses remain relatively harmless. One would rather see the world run by men who set their hearts on toys but are accessible to pity, than by men animated by lofty ideals whose dedication makes them ruthless. In the chemistry of man's soul, almost all noble attributes — courage, honor, hope, faith, duty, loyalty, etc. — can be transmuted into ruthlessness. Compassion alone stands apart from the continuous traffic between good and evil proceeding within us.

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Eric Hoffer 240

American philosopher 1898–1983

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“Compassion alone stands apart from the continuous traffic between good and evil proceeding within us.”

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Eric Hoffer 240

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