There is a gap between theory and practice. This gap is called experience. It is the ability to apply static theory to dynamic situations. Easy in principle, tough in practice.
In an age where the world is more connected than ever, where we know of all the hardship and social pain and challenges, the same thing happens. We respond with concern. We don’t want social pain and injustice. We don’t want poverty. The task is too daunting to get us out of our seat. We wouldn’t know where to start.
Perhaps we should start where we are. What social pain is in your immediate community, family or city. Start there. Each person is valuable. Make a difference to the one. Stop long enough to hear the story, to connect at a human level.
Concern becomes compassion when we act on injustice.
Ironically, this is precisely the same process we face with customers and product design.