What would happen if the systems within our society focused on care and healing instead of growth and profit? In A Case for Compassion: What Happens When We Prioritize People and the Planet , Sara Schairer—a leader in the compassion field—examines five of our most influential systems: education, health care, corrections, law enforcement, and the workplace. Using personal narratives, research, thought-leader interviews, and examples of compassionate institutions, Schairer shows us that compassion can solve many of our society’s most pressing problems. You’ll read inspiring stories about examples of compassion, including: A neurosurgeon who bucks the system in order to take as much time as necessary with each patient. - A correctional system with a goal of creating good neighbors. - A police chief who encourages self-compassion, compassion, and mindfulness among his officers. - A bakery that bakes brownies in order to hire people, not the other way around. In times of despair, Sara Schairer’s A Case for Compassion offers a compass pointing toward hope and, most importantly, maps out the route to get there. "A Case for Compassion speaks to those of us who are curious about not only improving ourselves but also our society. Sara Schairer's rich storytelling and practical guidance combine to create a thought-provoking must-read." - Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, author of Transcend , Wired to Create , and Ungifted "Sara Schairer will push you to think differently about how to tend to and heal some of society's biggest challenges in a counter-intuitive, yet impactful way...with the powerful tool of compassion." - Emma Seppälä, PhD, author of The Happiness Track "'Compassion It'-two simple words that are changing the world. Sara Schairer examines how compassion saved her life, and by her actions and the many examples in her book, shares with us how the power of compassion can change yours." - James R. Doty, MD, author of Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon's Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart " A Case for Compassion is a captivating read. Blending compelling personal and diverse narratives with realistic calls to action, Sara Schairer successfully makes the case that we need compassion now more than ever. A must-read for leaders, especially in the fields of health care, education, and law enforcement." - Jill Stoddard, PhD, author of Be Mighty , The Big Book of ACT Metaphors , and Imposter No More "Compassion is unique: it is both intensely personal and entirely societal. With this book, Sara Schairer has laid out the case for the crucial importance and relevance of compassion. Her story and the clarity of her message combine beautifully." - Steven Hickman, PsyD, author of Self-Compassion for Dummies "The world's suffering can be overwhelming. We need ideas and examples that connect us to the power of compassion. This book is brimming with both. Sara Schairer shows us how to "compassion it" in a range of contexts such as education, healthcare and work. This holistic treatment of the promise and possibilities of "compassioning it" is both a comfort and a call to action. Reading this book will inspire and empower you to "compassion it" in ways that leave others and society better off." -Jane Dutton, PhD, professor at the University of Michigan and co-author of Awakening Compassion at Work "Sara Schairer's Compassion It journey and now her exciting new book A Case for Compassion make a clear case for the important role compassion can play at both the individual and systems levels. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, social unrest, and intolerance, the book is timely and is a fundamental must-read for everyone!" - Gentry Patrick, professor of neurobiology and director of the Center for Empathy and Social Justice in Human Health at the University of California, San Diego "We've structured the systems in our world-business, education, healthcare, and justice-around punishment and reward. I have seen first-hand how destructive this approach is to people on all sides and our community. A Case for Compassion demonstrates the tremendous healing power unlocked by compassionate action. It offers practical steps and guidance for reforming our systems around kindness and care. It reveals compassion to be essential to addressing the challenges we face today." - Bill Brown, executive director of Prison Yoga Project