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The Difference Between Compassion, Empathy, Sympathy, and Altruism

The Goal is Compassion

Compassion has always been the foundation of my work and life, and it is the topic of my next book, A Year of Compassion: 52 Weeks of Living Zero Waste, Plant-Based, and Cruelty-Free.

Compassion is why I’m vegan. But veganism is not my goal. Compassion is.

I don’t strive to be as vegan as I can be. I strive to be as compassionate as I can be.

When we think being vegan is the destination to reach, we treat it as an ideology and obsess over trying to be perfect and pure.

I don’t live according to veganism. I live according to compassion.

Compassion vs. Sympathy, Empathy, and Altruism

Personally, I find compassion to be one of the most powerful, universal, and life-altering human experiences, and I also find it to be gravely misunderstood.

So, as we continue to explore this topic together, let’s start with the basics — the difference between sympathy, empathy, altruism, and compassion.

Sympathy

Sympathy involves understanding and acknowledging another person’s emotions and feelings, especially in times of difficulty or suffering. It’s about showing concern, support, and care for someone’s well-being. However, sympathy doesn’t necessarily require a deep emotional connection or putting oneself in the other person’s shoes.

Empathy

Empathy takes things a little deeper; it is the ability to experience for yourself some of the pain that the other person may be experiencing. It is an acknowledgement of our shared experience as humans and recognition that we all feel grief and loss and pain and fear. You do not need to have experienced exactly the same events as the person who is suffering, but you do need to have the ability to really imagine how they must be feeling in their situation.

Empathy is a vicarious experience – if your friend is feeling afraid, you too will experience a feeling of fear in your body; if they are sad, you too will feel sorrow. Feeling empathy is allowing yourself to become tuned into another person’s emotional experience. It takes courage and emotional resonance. Altruism:

Altruism

Altruism refers to the selfless concern and actions taken for the well-being of others, often without any personal gain or expectation of reciprocation. Altruistic behaviors involve helping, supporting, or benefiting others with genuine kindness and concern, though it may or may not be accompanied by empathy or compassion — for example, making a donation for tax purposes — but it is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on someone else’s life.

Compassion

Compassion combines both empathy and altruism. If empathy is the ability to experience the feelings and pain of another, compassion translates that feeling into action. Compassion involves an empathic response as well as altruistic behavior, but compassion is characterized by feeling empathetic toward someone’s struggles and understanding their pain — and then taking action to alleviate that suffering.

It moves us emotionally, but it moves us to ACT. Action is the key difference between sympathy, empathy, and compassion.

We’ll return to this topic again and again, including:

  • what the fundamental principles of compassion are
  • how compassion is so misunderstood
  • why having compassion for people who do wrong does not condone bad behavior
  • how to cultivate compassion

and so much more. In the meantime, the etymology of these words might also be a helpful way to differentiate between them.

Etymology of Sympathy, Empathy, Altruism, and Compassion

Sympathy: The word “sympathy” comes from the Greek word “sympatheia,” which means “fellow feeling” or “community of feeling.” The term is formed from “syn” (together) and “pathos” (feeling or suffering), reflecting the idea of sharing emotions with others.

Empathy: The term “empathy” originated from the German word “Einfühlung,” which translates to “feeling into.” It was used in aesthetics to describe the process of projecting oneself into a work of art. It’s derived from the Greek “em-” (in) and “pathos” (feeling or emotion).

Altruism: The word “altruism” has its roots in the Latin word “alter,” meaning “other.” It was introduced into English in the mid-19th century and was used to describe the principle or practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others. The term “altruism” was coined by the French philosopher Auguste Comte, derived from the Latin “altrui” (of or to others).

Compassion: “Compassion” comes from the Latin word “compassio,” which means “suffering with.” The term is formed from “com-” (together) and “pati” (to suffer). It signifies the act of sharing in the suffering of others, demonstrating a deep understanding and willingness to help alleviate their pain.

What are your thoughts about compassion? I would love to hear from you.

Monuments of Compassion: Honoring Animal Advocates in the United States

As a history enthusiast and passionate animal advocate, I firmly believe in acknowledging the pioneers whose efforts shaped the modern animal protection movement in the United States. In my podcast episode, Animal Advocate Monuments and Memorials (Part One), I explore the lives and legacies of four remarkable individuals who dedicated their lives to fighting for animals: Henry Bergh, George Thorndike Angell, Caroline Earle White, and Jack London. Join me I reveal the memorials and monuments that honor their invaluable contributions to a more compassionate world.

Henry Bergh: A Trailblazer for Animal Rights

Henry Bergh, a visionary and tireless animal advocate, founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in 1866. His mission was to protect animals from abuse, cruelty, and neglect. Bergh’s groundbreaking work led to the passing of the first anti-cruelty law in the United States.

To enforce the newly established animal cruelty laws, Bergh pioneered the idea of humane officers. These officers were appointed by the ASPCA and empowered with the authority to investigate reports of animal abuse, cruelty, and neglect. They had the legal right to enter properties, seize mistreated animals, and arrest individuals responsible for harming animals. This was a groundbreaking and innovative concept at the time, as it marked the first instance of law enforcement officers being specifically designated for animal protection purposes.

Today, he is remembered as the “Father of the Animal Rights Movement” and honored with memorials that celebrate his pioneering efforts.

Henry Bergh Monument, Bridgeport Connecticut

P.T. Barnum, the famous showman, circus owner, and unlikely friend of Henry Bergh paid for Henry Bergh’s memorial in Bridgeport as a tribute to the visionary animal advocate’s significant contributions to the welfare and protection of animals.

Water Trough for Horses in Honor of Henry Bergh and the ASPCA in Central Park

The bathtub-shaped granite trough at Central Park’s Sixth Avenue entrance commemorates Henry Bergh, the ASPCA founder, and provides fresh water to animals, known as the “mute servants of mankind.” Donated by Mrs. Henry C. Russell in 1908, its original location is unclear, but later found at Kennedy Airport’s “animal shelter” and then brought to City Hall Park.

Mausoleum and Sculpture Honoring Henry Bergh in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn

The beautiful bas relief sculpture honoring Henry Bergh in Greenwood Cemetery, Brooklyn, was thoughtfully installed as a permanent loan below his grave, coinciding with the anniversary of the founding of the ASPCA, a testament to his enduring legacy in championing animal welfare and protection.

George Thorndike Angell: Champion of Animal Welfare and Humane Education

George Thorndike Angell was a prominent lawyer and animal lover who established the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) in 1868. His advocacy extended beyond legal protection, as he also focused on education and awareness to promote humane treatment of animals. Angell’s legacy lives on through his organization’s continued efforts and the monuments that pay tribute to his invaluable work.

Monument to George Thorndike Angell in Boston, Massachusetts

George Thorndike Angell’s monument in Boston, Massachusetts, is a poignant tribute, commemorating his significant contributions as the founder of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of animals.

George Thorndike Angell Grave, Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts

George Thorndike Angell’s grave stands as a tribute to his tireless advocacy and pioneering work for animal welfare, leaving a lasting legacy in his efforts to protect and care for animals, as the founder of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Band of Mercy.

Caroline Earle White: A Visionary Advocate for All Beings

Caroline Earle White was a dedicated animal activist and the founder of the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) in 1883. She passionately campaigned against animal experimentation and cruelty, advocating for the abolition of vivisection (the use of living animals) in medical research. White’s commitment to the cause and her organization’s achievements have been commemorated through various memorials that highlight her unwavering dedication to animal welfare.

Caroline Earle White Memorials

While there are no physical monuments dedicated to Caroline Earle White that I am aware of, her legacy lives on through the numerous animal drinking fountains built in Philadelphia, inspired by her advocacy. Additionally, her enduring impact is evident in the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS), which continues to champion animal rights and the abolition of animal testing. Stay tuned for more on fountains and Caroline’s remarkable contributions in Part Two of our “Monuments to Animal Advocates” podcast episode. (Listen to Part One here.)

Caroline Earle White is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Jack London: An Outspoken Voice for Performing Animals

Jack London, the renowned American author and social activist, displayed an unwavering determination to end animal performances in circuses during the early 20th century. Recognizing the cruelty and exploitation faced by animals forced to perform tricks for public entertainment, London used his influential platform to speak out against such practices. Through his powerful writings and advocacy, he raised public awareness about the plight of circus animals, urging for the abolishment of their use in shows. Listen to this episode (and read this blog post) about how London successfully inspired Ringling to remove animal acts in the early 1920s — and how his hometown of Oakland inspired the closing of the largest traveling animal circus 100 years later.

Jack London Square in Oakland, California

The most notable example of a remembrance of Jack London is Jack London Square located in Oakland, California. This waterfront district was named in his honor and features a life-size bronze statue of the author, commemorating his literary achievements and contributions to social activism. There’s also a statue of a wolf (in honor of Call of the Wild and White Fang, the still-open saloon he used to write in called Heinold’s First and Last Chance Saloon, and a replica of his cabin in Alaska. There’s also Jack London State Park in Sonoma County and the remains of the home he built that was destroyed in a fire.

As I mention in Part One of Animal Advocate Monuments and Memorials, there is so much to say about the memorials and monuments to the people who dedicated their lives to animals, and I’ll be sharing more in Part Two!

In the meantime, please enjoy listening to Part One, and I hope you enjoyed this walk down history lane. For the animals, until next time.

Cruelty and Compassion are Both Universal

Animal Sanctuaries Demonstrate This

Our use and abuse of farmed animals is universal — wherever you are, whatever country you visit. ⁠

👉 pigs, turkeys, chickens, and cattle brought into this world only to be raised to be killed for human consumption⁠

👉 goats and cows bred to be milk machines, only to be killed when they’re no longer productive⁠

👉 donkeys and horses bred for use — often sold to be slaughtered for human consumption⁠

Such were the stories of the animals we met in Italy. ⁠

⁠BUT as much as cruelty and desensitization is universal, so is COMPASSION AND ADVOCACY. ❤️

⁠We include visits to animal sanctuaries on all of our Joyful Vegan Trips (where possible) because not only is it meaningful to connect with animals, it’s also so meaningful to meet good people around the world doing vital work to protect animals:

👉 changing laws⁠

👉 rescuing animals⁠

👉 raising awareness⁠

👉 providing sanctuary⁠

These are some of the incredible souls we met on our recent journey to Italy (and who you will meet on our Destination Tuscany 2024 and our Northern Italy 2024 trips). ⁠

⁠Compassion is universal. ⁠

Effective Communication and Advocacy Workshop

Effective Communication and Advocacy Workshop with Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

In the 24 years I’ve been guiding people to becoming and staying vegan, I’ve learned that people stay vegan or stop being vegan depending on well they navigate the social, cultural, and emotional aspects of living vegan in a non-vegan world. 

Especially when it comes to how we communicate.

In this worldwide, interactive, 3-hour-long workshop, I’ll share my solutions, strategies, and secrets for navigating and overcoming the most common challenges for communicating and advocating effectively, joyfully, and compassionately.

Wherever you live, whatever time zone you’re in, and wherever you are on your journey, this workshop will address the most essential aspects of communication, including

  • how to share your passion without proselytizing
  • how to let go of the pressure to have all the answers or the perfect response
  • how to talk about animal issues in a way that can be heard
  • how to manage frustration, anger, expectations, and attachment to outcome
  • how to know where you end and another person begins
  • understanding the fact that some people will take what we’re saying as strident even if we don’t come across that way
  • how to use / control our emotions without our emotions controlling us

Why should I attend this online workshop?

This online event enables you to connect with participants from all around the globe from the comfort of your own home, while incurring no travel costs and reducing your environmental footprint. Even though this is an online event, we’re using sophisticated technology to shrink the digital distance between us so that we can engage, interact, and connect — not just you and me — but you, me, and all our fellow global participants. You can expect:

  • Real-time sessions with me (no pre-recorded content!)
  • Opportunities for Q&A
  • Interactive exercises
  • Live chats with me and other participants
  • Prizes and giveaways!

What are the topics?

The sessions are based on the principles in my book, The Joyful Vegan: How to Stay Vegan in a World That Wants You to Eat Meat, Dairy, and Eggs—principles and strategies that can make the difference between being effective and ineffective, joyful and frustrated.  

While the exact sessions may be subject to change, here is what we’ve got lined up so far:

COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION — SKILLS AND STRATEGIES

Learn how engaging in compassionate communication promotes understanding and positive change.

HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE ADVOCATES

This session emphasizes the habits that effective (and joyful) advocates share: empathy, relationship-building, storytelling, honesty, solution-oriented thinking, and acknowledging and celebrating progress.

CHOOSING THE TYPE OF ADVOCACY THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Align your strengths, passions, and values with an advocacy approach that suits you best. Hint: you don’t have to call yourself an advocate to advocate. It just means using your voice!

What’s the difference between the BASIC and VIP levels?

As a VIP, you get everything in the Basic level (full participation, recording of the workshop once it’s over), plus: 

  • private one-on-one 30-minute post-event call with Colleen
  • follow-up group call 3 months after event with Colleen and other VIP attendees
  • 20% discount for The Joyful Vegan book

Don’t Steal Baby Fawns!

Helping or Hindering Wildlife: Understanding When Baby Deer Need Human Intervention

Now that it’s spring (READ: BABY SEASON!), well-meaning humans often assume that because a fawn is alone she must be an orphan, leading to numerous fawn “kidnappings” each year. In today’s episode, I share tips, guidance, stories, and advice on what to do if you see an “abandoned” baby fawn or an injured adult deer or any wild animal at all. Even if you don’t encounter these situations directly, it’s sooo helpful to know what to do so you can pass it along to your friends, family, and neighbors.

How to Talk to Strangers: A Masterclass in Conversations and Communication

Do you want to be right or do you want to be effective?

People are open. People are curious. People want to learn. They want to know. Every time I talk with strangers, that’s what I find. Every time I walk away from those conversations, that’s what I feel. Hope. Compassion. Connection. But you wouldn’t know this unless you engage, talk, listen, interact. Show up.

I’m asked so often how to talk about being vegan, how to be a voice for animals. What to say? How to say it? When to respond? How to respond? How to remain calm? How to remain joyful? How to be effective? Today is a 2-hour Masterclass in Communication and Conversation based on recent interactions I’ve had. 

I also share what I think is one of the greatest dangers of our time, and it’s related to communication, so tuck in, pour yourself a cuppa, and get comfy, because we’ve got a lot to cover in today’s episode. 

——————

AFFILIATE PARTNERS:

Nama JuicerUse this link and coupon code COLLEEN10 and get 10% off my favorite juicer.
Plaine ProductsUse this link and coupon code “compassion” for 15% off my favorite zero waste bath and body products.
ComplementUse this link and coupon code “joyfulvegan” and get 10% off my favorite supplements.

Thank you for listening.

Best Online Vegan Cooking Classes — Plant-Based and Zero Waste

The Art of Teaching Cooking

Ever since I started teaching vegan cooking classes in 1999, I’ve loved the art behind choosing the class theme and crafting the menu, whether it’s based on:

First and foremost, of course, is the fact that everything I teach is vegan, but after that, a world of possibilities awaits! I’m inspired by different cuisines and cultures, spices and flavors, textures and techniques, but mostly what I desire is to inspire someone to get into the kitchen to create food that will nurture, nourish, and delight.

Colleen Patrick-Goudreau teaching virtual vegan cooking classes

Engaging the Senses

Cooking is a sensual experience in that all of our senses are engaged, and our experience of eating begins long before we start chewing — what a dish looks like, what the kitchen smells like, what a recipe is called, what a food sounds like during preparation or cooking, and what it feels like to touch it with our hands, our teeth, and our tongue. What memories are evoked.

I consider all of these factors when developing my recipes and crafting my classes, and the greatest gift for me is to know that one — even just one — of my recipes may become part of someone’s repertoire. That they will follow instructions I’ve carefully considered. That they will make culinary tweaks and tickles to adjust it to their liking. That they will enjoy the process as much as the result.

Online cooking classes are fun, interactive, and enjoyed globally

Join a Class in 2023

The first half of 2023 is scheduled out, and I hope you can join me. Click on each to book your spot, and enjoy a discount when you book more than one class.

𝐅𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘: Cozy Colorful Soups ⁠(Purple Kale and White Bean Soup, Six Shades of Red Soup, Brazilian Black Bean Stew)

𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇: Classic Northern Italian Cuisine ⁠(Saffron Risotto (Risotto alla Milanese), Homemade Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce, Polenta alla Spianatora)

𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋: Simple Southern Italian Cuisine ⁠(Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce, Spaghetti with Lentil Meatballs, Eggplant Caponata)

𝐌𝐀𝐘: Homemade Tofu and Soy Milk (Save money, eliminate packaging, and increase your cooking skills!)⁠

𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄: Plant-based Food and Wine Pairings (Join me and my partner-in-wine (i.e. my husband) for this special class in which we provide a comprehensive lesson for the best red, white, and rose wines and the plant-based foods they pair with.)⁠

If you can’t decide, remember 𝐆𝐈𝐅𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 are also available!⁠

The classes are fun, interactive, and live in real-time! This means, I see you, you see all the other participants, and you see me cooking in my Oakland kitchen and answering your questions. What’s more: you receive all the recipes in advance of the class and a video recording of the class after it’s over. 

Visit JoyfulVegan.com to join a class today

What type of cooking classes or recipes are you looking for? Comment down below.

Vegan in Northern Italy {Venice, Lakes, Dolomites}

Andiamo in Italia!

After canceling all of our 2020 trips, I am very grateful to have renewed our Joyful Vegan Trips — taking all the precautions necessary (and required) for traveling during a pandemic (now endemic) and doing everything we can to neither spread nor contract Covid-19.

In June 2023, we will be running our third trip to Tuscany, which has a few spots left, and our second to Northern Italy. The latter is called Mountains and Lakes and Canals, because, well…Dolomites (Italian Alps), Lake Garda, and Venice!

We’re almost sold out, so book your spot right away! The full itinerary and the booking page are here, but here are some highlights:

  • Travel with me and David (it IS a Joyful Vegan Trip after all!)
  • Stay in a 100% vegan hotel in the mountains
  • Enjoyed guided hikes in the Italian Alps
  • Stay at (another) veg hotel at the foot of the dramatic Dolomites
  • Sip Italian wine from at a local winery
  • Stay at a beautiful countryside villa near Lake Garda
  • Explore Lake Garda by boat
  • Stay at a canal-facing palazzo in Venice
  • Explore Venice by boat, gondola, and on a guided walking tour
  • Take advantage of free time to go off on your own for some hiking and biking in the mountains and countryside
  • Stroll through romantic Verona on a guided walking tour
  • Enjoy a cooking demo with me!

Civic Engagement for Animals

The Power of Local Political Activism

Join me today in conversation with Tim Anderson, animal advocate, co-founder and board member of the East Bay Animal PAC, and engaged citizen.

We met over a decade ago working to stop backyard animal slaughter from becoming legal in our city, and as a result, he became one of my closest friends — and biggest inspirations.  

In today’s episode, Tim

  • shares ideas for effective engagement with elected officials
  • talks about the power of local civic engagement to promote compassionate policies
  • offers numerous ways to get involved locally on behalf of animals — finding friendships and our own authentic voice along the way.

Citizen Tim

Tim has been involved in grassroots organizing for 25 years. His efforts include work on the successful senatorial campaign for Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone, and the 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama. Locally, he’s worked on various Oakland mayoral and city council elections, as well as city-wide ballot initiatives. 

He used to volunteer as a photographer at the Oakland Animal Shelter, where he adopted his adorable dog, Rex. And among many other things, he is responsible for a weekly clean-up group in his neighborhood, which came out of neighbors joining this guy who was outside every week picking up garbage.

Tim also spoke at my Compassion in Action conferences two years in a row, volunteered with me on numerous occasions when I needed help tabling at speaking events, and was a long-time supporter of my Food for Thought podcast.

FUN FACT

Tim and I have spent a lot of time at Farm Sanctuary together, and I’m very lucky to have been on the receiving end of his photography skills. If you visited the page for the podcast episode The Burden of Burros and the Plight of Donkeys, you’ll see many photos of me with my donkey friends. Tim took many of those photos (see below), along with hundreds of others of me and other animals.

Yeah, he’s amazing.