Can Compassion Save the Planet? A Conversation with Karen Armstrong

In 2008, Karen Armstrong, after winning the TED Prize, convened religious thinkers to update the Golden Rule, giving rise to the Charter for Compassion. This document promotes justice, equity, and universal respect. The charter has inspired an international network with hundreds of organizations and more than 75 cities, from Karachi to Belfast, demonstrating its global reach. Compassion, according to Armstrong, is not just a nice idea, but an urgent global imperative. We must treat everyone with the same consideration we expect to receive.

A compassionate city, according to Armstrong, must be uncomfortable with the suffering of the world, especially in the West, where privilege often blocks awareness of global difficulties. The Golden Rule demands that benevolence not be limited to our own congenial group. We must extend compassion to everyone, regardless of their origin. This perspective challenges the 'me-first' culture, emphasizing the need for a deeper human connection.

Armstrong recognizes the importance of self-compassion, but warns that it should not be the only focus. In her book 'Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life', self-compassion is the third step, followed by nine others that culminate in the love of enemies. We must see ourselves as a collective, recognizing that alienation is as dangerous as climate change. The lack of compassion, according to Armstrong, is manifested in indifference to the suffering of others, as observed in Western media coverage.

Karachi, Pakistan, is an inspiring example of how compassion can be integrated into education and civic life. A network of schools has been established there that incorporates compassion into the curriculum. It was the children themselves who asked the mayor to make Karachi a compassionate city, seeking a community with more equality and security. This approach demonstrates that compassion can be a driving force for social change, starting from the ground up.

Armstrong finds hope in the participation of business people in promoting compassion, recognizing their ability to turn ideas into concrete actions. Business people know how an idea can be integrated into the structure of life, not just good intentions that lead to burnout. The author emphasizes the need to face the world with love and maintain a state of 'discomfort' to drive change. Perseverance and love are key to overcoming discouragement and building a more compassionate future.