Final answer:
Compassion is a redeeming quality universally recognized as a key component of moral behavior, emphasized across various philosophical traditions such as Confucian and Daoist. It is seen as a virtue that should be cultivated through habitual practice rather than a one-time realization.
Step-by-step explanation:
A redeeming quality that is not necessarily biblical and represents a universal struggle is compassion. While wisdom, patience, and perseverance are significant traits, compassion is unique in its universal recognition as a fundamental aspect of human moral and ethical behavior. Philosophers over the ages have discussed its importance, including Mencius, a Chinese philosopher, who suggested that the feeling of compassion is at the core of benevolence and ethical behavior.
In the context of Aztec, Confucian, and Daoist thought, qualities like compassion, empathy, and benevolence are central to achieving ethical well-being. They suggest that living a good life involves continuous practice and cultivating of virtues rather than chasing moments of success or relying solely on rational thinking or strict rules. This idea is supported by the quotations provided, emphasizing the ongoing effort to nurture virtuous habits.
Conversely, philosophers like Nietzsche challenged traditional virtues such as compassion, promoting the idea that the will to power and strength were more admirable traits. However, such views are considered contentious by many ethicists who believe that virtues such as compassion contribute positively to individual flourishing and societal harmony.