Can someone who lacks a given quality appreciate it in concept?

Question

For example:compassion. If a person lacks compassion, does that person then, by definition, lack the understanding of compassion? By "understanding" I don't mean the definition of the word. I mean an accurate, personal perception of the concept.

Does the lack of understanding preclude possession?

In my mind, this can be said to be true of some human qualities, such as compassion and empathy. (I'm equating these because I see them inextricably linked.) How can and individual understand empathy yet not possess it?

Someone who is unable to feel what others feel lacks empathy and therefore does not - can not - understand it.

Love on the other hand doesn't appear to fit this model. One can feel love but not necessarily understand it. I know I don't. Sure, one can describe the feeling of butterflies and joy in someone's company or distress in someone's absence but, what is it? Why is it? Regardless of the questions you possess the quality.

So, how do you feel about that?

Answer 1

I don't think that personal experience with a concept is necessary to understanding it. I understand art, though I have no talent for or much experience creating it myself.

A person's understanding may not be as rich or detailed without personal experience, but that in itself does not preclude understanding the concept. And in some instances, personal experience with a concept may create biases that make it harder to be objective about the concept.

Answer 2

I think the average person (unless they've experienced something severly tragic, and even still) is capable of these qualities, just some can express these qualities more often than others. For example, I have yet to meet a person who absolutely has no patience. When your waiting at a red light, you are being patient, or if your in line at a bank. A true impatient person would have to disrupt the order every time! So, even though you may not feel like you have a certain quality, I feel one does, maybe just in very small amounts.

Answer 3

I don't believe that people who do not posses these qualities can ever fully understand the real understanding and beauty in it. Empathy especially, if you know what it is but still can't feel that way towards others then you must not grasp the entire concept.

Answer 4

Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

Answer 5

I lack patience. Patience is a quality. I know what it means and I admire people who have it, so yes I can appreciate it in concept.

I'm sure it works the same for other qualities too...

Jo

Answer 6

We know what love is because we are loved upon being born, hopefully, or soon afterwards. We know what compassion is because others are compassionate towards us.