In this chapter three different paths that lead to compassion are considered: one path is based on principles of conditioning and reinforcement, the second path has its origin in observational learning and modeling, and the third path starts with the prosocial personality. As will be described in more detail, I assume that compassion and prosocial behavior are closely linked with each other. From this the implication follows that individual and social influences that enhance compassion also tend to increase prosocial behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)