A Compromised Compassion describes our mind's journey through the social world, and the forces which it encounters. Beginning with the real-life story of a narcissist whose idealized alpha-male self-image crumbled at the tender age of 6, it chronicles the deeply hidden shame revealed. A brief narrative of that life is followed by a collection of original quotes, poems and short essays. This is a tale of social fear and anxiety, and the internal walls of self-protection that became self-isolation. Habitual patterns of thought and behavior, along with rigid images of self and others were the bricks of the wall. Judgments were made and expectations established, involving failure versus success, and shame versus fame. Feelings of empathy, remorse and compassion were cut off. The internal obstacles were self-constructed. Those obstacles are common to most of us, and involve the emotional memories we become so attached to, the distorted ideal visions of our own self and others, and our dependence upon external forces to secure our trust. The way out involves a movement of trust within, leading to individual integrity, while at the same time remaining empathetic and compassionate. Once this is accomplished, then the walls come tumbling down, allowing our mind the freedom to wander where it will, and allowing our compassion the freedom to touch all of humanity. These words might help you find that freedom.