Wouldn't patience and compassion be tied to empathy? which is said to be an evolutionary trait rather than a religious quality?

Yes . Its also called humanism.

Regardless who said it or in what context, this is absolutely true. Compassion for ourselves and each other gives us strength and reassurance to thrive and survive in this crazy world.

One of the things that seems to characterize religious people is the belief that humans aren't capable of Humanity, like compassion or patience, without the threat of eternal damnation or the enlightenment of their inspired leader.

[en.m.wikipedia.org] affirming the consequent. "If the lamp is broken the room will be dark", does not mean, "if the room is dark, the lamp must be broken". Also "there are non-religious people who are xyzbad" does not mean "people who are xyzbad are non-religious"

In my mind, these are qualities that should be taught by every religion.

Dali Lama did not seek military liberation for his invaded country lacking compassion for his overwhelmed and murdered defenders from Chinese killers yet he is praised by many....Dr Assad defeated USA invaders to Syria and most Americans believe the lies against the leader of his country

"This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness." - The Dalai Lama

The Buddha did not teach religion; although, there are Buddhists who act as if the Buddha was a god. Although the Dali Lama is the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, he doesn't seem to believe in a god, IMO.

"If science proves some belief of Buddhism wrong, then Buddhists will have to change. - The Dalai Lama

People with no interest in religion sometimes disregard qualities like patience and compassion, which they associate with religious practice

Oh bullshit. Religious or not, people disregard patience and compassion because it's advantageous them to do so at the time, not because they think "what would an <insert religion of choice here> follower do?". They're just assholes, or they use religion as the excuse to disregard patience and compassion, because they're assholes.

Wise man and compassionate

Not a big fan of this guy. One does not have to be religious to be patient and compassionate. In fact the opposite is often true, since religion sets you apart and as better than those not of your religion in a them against us tribal mentality.