If we see someone who is suffering, we should show compassion instead of turning our backs. Since everything is connected and a person cannot exist on its own (simplifying the idea of interdependence/dependent origination), showing compassion to others is actually showing compassion to ourselves. But why would this be a good thing?

I think showing compassion can even be a bad thing because it’s pitying people who might not even want that. If someone showed compassion for me when I’m in trouble, I'd feel insulted. Suffering is an opportunity for our development, and I don’t see how compassion can help. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t help people who need or ask for it. But being compassionate a priori is a very lofty behavior in my opinion.