Louise J. Kaplan: 'Children, even infants, are capable of sympathy. But only after adolescence are we capable of compassion.'

Children, even infants, are capable of sympathy. But only after adolescence are we capable of compassion.

In her insightful quote, Louise J. Kaplan explores the progression of human empathy, distinguishing between sympathy and compassion and suggesting that the latter emerges only during adolescence. Sympathy, she suggests, is a basic human emotion that we are capable of experiencing from a very young age, while compassion requires a deeper understanding of others and their suffering. Kaplan's quote compels us to reflect on the complexity and development of our emotional capacities, shedding light on the transformation that occurs as we move through adolescence.At first glance, the distinction between sympathy and compassion might seem subtle, but a closer examination reveals significant differences. Sympathy refers to our ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is a genuine emotional response, often evoking a sense of pity or concern for someone's hardships. Sympathy emerges early in life, even in infants who can exhibit signs of distress when witnessing others in pain. This form of empathy plays a crucial role in fostering social bonds and enabling us to connect with others on an emotional level.Compassion, however, takes empathy to a higher plane. It transcends the mere understanding of someone's emotions and goes beyond feeling sorry for them. Compassion involves a deep-rooted desire to alleviate another's suffering, to take action and offer support or aid. It requires not only an emotional connection but also an intellectual and moral understanding of the complexities of human experience. Kaplan's observation that compassion emerges after adolescence suggests that this profound understanding of others and their suffering requires a level of maturity and experience that may not fully develop until later in life.To delve deeper into this concept and lend a fresh perspective, let's introduce the philosophical notion of moral development. According to the renowned philosopher Lawrence Kohlberg, individuals progress through a series of moral stages as they grow and mature. He posits that moral reasoning evolves from a simple concern for personal gain to a more complex understanding of universal ethical principles. Drawing upon Kohlberg's theory, we could argue that compassion, being a higher form of empathy, aligns with the later stages of moral development.In the early stages of moral reasoning, individuals may exhibit sympathetic behaviors driven by personal desires or reciprocal altruism. This form of empathy, while still valuable, lacks the depth and selflessness that characterize compassion. As individuals mature and progress through Kohlberg's moral stages, they become increasingly capable of understanding and upholding universal moral principles, leading to the emergence of compassion.While the exact age when compassion fully develops may vary among individuals, the general notion that it emerges after adolescence resonates with our experiences. The teenage years are a transformative period when individual identities are shaped, and worldviews expand. It is during this time that young people often encounter diverse perspectives, challenges, and personal growth, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition.The significance of Kaplan's quote lies in its reminder that compassion is not inherent but rather develops over time. Understanding this development offers us valuable insights into how we can nurture and cultivate compassion in ourselves and in future generations. By fostering environments that encourage emotional intelligence, empathy, and ethical reasoning, we can promote the growth of compassion from adolescence into adulthood.In conclusion, Kaplan's quote invites us to ponder the intriguing evolution of human empathy, highlighting the progression from sympathy to compassion. Sympathy, a basic emotional response, emerges early in life, enabling us to connect with others on an emotional level. However, compassion, with its profound understanding and desire to alleviate suffering, emerges during adolescence and beyond. By introducing the concept of moral development, we can further comprehend the complex nature of compassion's evolution. Recognizing that compassion requires maturity and experience, we can work to cultivate this essential quality in ourselves and future generations, fostering a more empathetic and compassionate society.