Pity

Pity is one of the most noblest emotions available to human beings. Self pity is possibly the most ignoble.
Pity is the capacity to enter into the pain of another to do something about it. Self pity is an incapacity, a crippling emotional disease that severely distorts our perception of reality.
Pity discovers the need in others for love and healing and then fashions speech and action that brings strength. Self pity reduces the universe to a personal wound that is displayed as proof of significance.
Pity is adrenaline for acts of mercy. Self pity is a narcotic that leaves its addicts wasted and derelict.

~ Eugene Peterson