As arguments about vitriol and violence dominated the airwaves in recent days, NPR's Neal Conan featured an author of a book that feels especially necessary today: "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life" by Karen Armstrong, describing concrete ways to add kindness to daily routines.

In the interview, Armstrong admits compassion is neither very popular nor easy. She also notes that while the topic of compassion permeates world religions, they "are often seen as part of the problem, not as part of the solution." In response to her frustrations, Armstrong worked to create a Charter for Compassion, written by leading thinkers from a variety of major faiths, to help "restore compassion to the heart of religious and moral life."

Listen to the interview with Karen Armstrong and read an excerpt from the book at NPR.