The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well being. Real compassion comes from seeing the suffering of others. You feel a sense of responsibility, and you want to do something for them. Through universal altruism, you develop a feeling of responsibility for others and the wish to help them actively overcome their problems. Nirvana may be the final object of attainment, but at the moment it is difficult to reach. Thus the practical and realistic aim is compassion, a warm heart, serving other people, helping others, respecting others, being less selfish. By practising these, you can gain benefit and happiness that remain longer. If you investigate the purpose of life and, with the motivation that results from this inquiry, develop a good heart - compassion and love. Using your whole life this way, each day will become useful and meaningful. With regard to compassion and altruism there is no limit, and thus we should not be content with the degree that we have. We are just the opposite; in the spiritual field we are content with slight amounts of practice and progress, but materially we always want more and more. It should be the other way around. Everyone needs to practice this. (Dalai Lama)