Fear or Compassion? Which will drive a reader more?

First of all let me preface this by saying that it is a Tuesday night. It's late, and there is a lot to do. On top of that, I'm writng this on my IPhone 4. Which, unfortunately sounds like a "First World Problem" (and it is), it is still tough. However, even though this is an assignment, there is so much to each of these essays (Barbara Ascher's "On Compassion" and Jonathan Kotzol's "Human Cost Of an Illiterate Society") that I am obliged to discuss them.
 In Ascher's example based essay, the subject of empathy and compassion, as well as how they are intertwined is discussed. Ascher uses examples to emotionally move the reader to the emotions she discusses. Kotzol uses a similar tactic to move his reader, but instead to scare them. This begs the question, is this use of emotional examples the best method?
It is. Examples are used to provide concrete evidence to further clarify an idea or point. When these examples invoke emotion, the point sticks. Furthermore, when these examples are emotional, they had a larger chance of being relatable to the reader. When a reader relates to an example, they go "ah! I know that feeling!" Creating a metaphysical path that similar ideas can be wrought upon.
Well, now that it has been established that emotion based examples are effective, what emotion causes the most response? Kotzol uses fear; he uses the fear of not being ale to read. Ascher uses compassion to get across her idea.
I argue that fear is more effective. Fear has been used not just in essays, but in politics as well. Fear is a powerful motivator, and it is simple strategy to force a reader  to understand the  point. My argument here is that while compassion is heart warming and fuzzy, and may insight a small amount emotional connection, it is no fear. Fear is universal, every one has felt it. It is entirely possible that some may not have felt true compassion, but every one has felt fear.
There are, however, draw backs to this method. Negative reinforcement against  positive. Compassion spurts something more than fear. The drive caused by compassion is stronger than fear. Those who experience compassion on either end have a higher ceiling to feel and to provide more compassion to the world. While compassion is stronger, fear is more direct.
Emotion based examples that have a root in fear. Kotzol uses examples to their full potential.