If I offer compassion to those that hate me, what will it accomplish? If I find the hopeless and give them kindness, what will that achieve? To give of myself and my wealth to those that have nothing, will it change a thing? If you believe in nothing then the answer is no, but if you believe in something, then yes there will be a gain. For mercy begets other kindness, though you may not see it. Though the one to whom you are merciful may not be grateful, the act of being merciful is seen by others. When your actions makes another rethink their actions and deliberate what they believe. Then a change can begin to take hold. Evil can be undone from with in. A cruel ideology can be reevaluated. One lowly person can accept your actions as a different way to live. Thus a repeating of what you have done, is what mercy shall gain.