Mercy
What is Mercy?
The choice to respond to wrongdoing with understanding rather than punishment — releasing the need for retribution in favor of healing. Mercy does not condone harm; it refuses to be defined by it.
When you might feel mercy
Mercy is a specific form of forgiveness, which itself is a type of temperance. You might experience this feeling in situations where temperance is present, particularly when the circumstances align with the nuances that define mercy.
Emotional Hierarchy
Explore Mercy on the Interactive Wheel
Use our free interactive feeling wheel to explore mercy and discover related emotions.
Open Character Strengths WheelRelated Emotions
The ability to offer kindness and generosity even when they are not deserved. Gr...
A quiet, unpretentious presentation of your abilities and achievements — letting...
A stable, unflappable sense of self that does not require constant external vali...
The ability to distinguish what is important from what is merely urgent, and wha...
The capacity to anticipate the long-term consequences of current decisions. Peop...
The ability to act in alignment with your long-term goals even when short-term i...