his holiness the dalai lama is my hero

from his book, (co-written by howard cutler) the art of happiness, the dalai lama on geniune compassion:

geniune compassion is the kind of compassion that isn't so much based on the fact that this person or that person is dear to me. rather, genuine compassion is based on the rationale that all human beings have an innate desire to be happy and overcome suffering, just like myself. and, just like myself, they have the natural right to fulfill this fundamental aspiration. on the basis of recognition of this equality and commonality, you develop a sense of affinity and closeness with others. with this as a foundation, you can feel compassion regardless of whether you view the other person as a friend or an enemy. it is based on the other's fundamental rights rather than your own mental projection. upon this basis, then, you will generate love and compassion. that's genuine compassion.

and that is the truth.