LibraryScenariosWhen helping makes things worse
Scenario

When helping makes things worse

I feed stray cats in my neighborhood but my neighbor says I'm enabling overpopulation and making the problem worse and now I don't know if my kindness is actually cruelty.

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The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Individual acts of compassion can perpetuate systemic problems, making us question whether following our hearts serves the greater good.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Animal rights and our ethical relationship with nature?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.