孟子所闡釋之不忍人之心，強調人所要關注的是生命上的實踐，而此點也正為儒家所注重，儒家強調的道德實踐為無條件律令，因為關心生命，故道德行為為本當如此，沒有別的條件，理所當為之行動。面對病人之生老病死的護理臨床實務，正是道德的實踐場所，護理人員可利用自己所執行之護理工作，使護理的價值與意義發揮至極致。孟子所提及之「不忍人之心」的意義正可顯示護理實務之主要核心，其闡明之意義更可作為後人之借鏡，故本文將以孟子所提及「不忍人之心」，輔以西方相關之理論及概念（關懷、同理心與同情心等）說明臨床護理的主要價值以及實踐生命意義之道。

“Mind of Compassion”, as elaborated by Mencius, emphasizes practice in life. It is a concept also highly valued in Confucian. The moral practice stressed by Confucian is a categorical imperative. Because the main concern is on life itself, moral actions should be taken “as is,” without the need to refer to any other conditions. Nursing practice deals with patient diseases and death. Such is precisely the environment in which moral practice should take place. Professional healthcare workers may make very good use of the values and meanings of this moral practice and employ such to its fullest. As Mencius’ “Mind of Compassion” reflects the main essence of nursing practice, its elaboration can be highly beneficial in nursing care. This article uses Mencius’ concept as well as relevant Western theories and concepts (e.g., caring, empathy and sympathy) to clarify the main values and ways to practice a meaningful life.