Compassion takes many forms, but pity is not one of them. Unlike pity, genuine compassion recognizes that everyone, no matter how marginalized, has value, passion, and a culture that deserves true appreciation. Nickel, drawing from his own life experiences, illustrates how his understanding of compassion has evolved over time. He outlines the common stages of compassion we experience and addresses the disappointment that arises when projects do not go as planned. Through his experiences, he has developed a healthier conception of compassion, which he summarizes in three foundational virtues: justice, mercy, and humility.