The first part (1 paragraph): expounds the original character of people in the natural state, and thus causes people to think.

The second part (paragraphs 2-3): On the basis of refuting the wrong viewpoint, the central argument is put forward: compassion is human nature.

The third part (the fourth paragraph): demonstrates the innate compassion of human beings.

The fourth part (paragraph 5): demonstrates the important role of compassion in human society.

Compassion, the most fragile and vulnerable to pain, existed before we humans began to think with our heads. People naturally hate to see their own kind suffer, so that they will not hurt others too much in order to seek their own happiness. Even animals sometimes have obvious sympathy.

When we see the pain of our peers, we will feel the same and have strong sympathy. This compassion is more real in the natural state than in the rational state. It is often ordinary people and women in the vegetable market who pull the two sides apart, not philosophers.

Compassion allows people to lend a helping hand when they see the suffering of the same kind. Even if they are in a difficult situation, they will not hurt people who are weaker than themselves. People in a natural state are unwilling to do bad things even if they are uneducated.