I stumbled across this story today, and I found it intensely interesting. Apparently compassion and empathy can be learned. There's hope for the yuppies yet!!! 

http://www.efluxmedia.com/news_Compassion_Something_You_Can_Learn_via_Meditation_15672.html

'Course, all the hippie new-agers, buddhists, wiccans, etc. knew this already, but it is nice when science catches up!

That was a very interesting and wonderful article Lady Amarant.

Yes anyone can open their consciousness to compassion and compassion is the stepping stone to empathy. All that is really required is an open mind to the intuitive state of mind and soul. With empathy being at the center then one can also be brought to the realisation of a multitude of other gifts. Meditation is a good way to open oneself to these inner qualities that are already inside every one of us. 

Cindy