Mercy and compassion always "work". Socialism never has. Pretending that socialism works is pretending that all people are prepared to put their neighbor ahead of their own interests. If you want people to be productive they need an incentive. Why do people think it unfair to reward the most productive? There is no way to make it "fair".(IE exactly equal) but we can keep working to provide opportunity. When I say mercy and compassion always work I mean they always work for the one showing them. They may or may not have an effect on the recipient but they always work for the one being merciful. If you want to help the less fortunate then help. If you want to force someone else to carry your load or someone else's that is ultimately destructive to society and individual relationships. In my limited experience those most interested in implementing Socialism are the least generous with their own time and money.