COMPAS’SION, n. [L. compasio, compatior.]  A suffering with another; painful sympathy; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration.  Compassion is a mixed passion, compounded of love and sorrow; at least some portion of love generally attends the pain or regret, or is excited by it.

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“An institution or reform movement that is not selfish, must originate in the recognition of some evil that is adding to the sum of human suffering, or diminishing the sum of happiness.”  – Clara Barton

“I’m well and strong and young – young enough to go to the front. If I can’t be a soldier, I’ll help soldiers.”  – Clara Barton

“I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.”  – Clara Barton

“When you stand day and night in the presence of hardship and physical suffering, you do not stop and think about the interest of yourself.  There is no time for that.  Ease pain, soothe sorrow, lessen suffering – this is your only thought day and night.”  – Clara Barton

“Economy, prudence, and a simple life are the sure masters of need, and will often accomplish that which, their opposites, with a fortune at hand, will fail to do.”  – Clara Barton

“Everybody’s business is nobody’s business, and nobody’s business is my business.”  – Clara Barton