Why do so many humans struggle with the concept of compassion?

[Glow]

Had this discussion with a client today.

He asked whether I think moral strength is more difficult to build or physical strength.

I changed the question a bit but told him I think the hardest strength to build is the open heart. Kindness compassion ect.

This client has been a criminal defence attorney for 3 decades but some how managed it.
I told him so. I saw tears in his eyes over his mask so I know he felt seen. Every dealing he has with anyone is gratitude, gentleness, free of judgement and full of compassionate patience and understanding.

He has said repeatedly that of every defendant even the ones who did comit the crimes only in one case was the person “bad”. The rest just had unfortunate situations that led them to their seat in the court room.

Most people aren’t strong enough to stay soft hearted in a generally cold, some what destructive to hearts world.

Open heart is potentially painful, so only the strongest can stay that way.

The weakest would be the ones who armour up the most with their own cold/cruelty.
Not a judgement to say it’s weakness, they just haven’t become strong yet. Like all growth it takes work, some work on other things.