I’ve often wondered what causes some people to have so much concern for others, including animals, and why other people are indifferent or worse yet, cruel.  I’ve also wondered how someone who loves animals can think bow hunting or steel trap hunting is ok.
Do people who receive cruelty as children inflict it on others?  If all people were equally compassionate, could we end the suffering of animals, children and the elderly?  Why is it that 5 children raised in the same home by the same abusive parents with the same genetic make-up react differently to life’s challenges?  Some of these children will be extremely empathetic and may use their compassion to serve others, while their siblings may lack compassion or become cruel themselves.  Is compassion something we can teach or is compassion imprinted within our genes?
Several major universities are participating in on-going studies of compassion or studies related to compassion.  Some researchers believe we have more compassion if a person or animal looks like us.  In other words, if you’re a petite blond, you’d have more compassion for petite blonds.  Personally, I disagree with theory.  Many people don’t like sharks, crocodiles or grizzly bears, but are appalled when they see these animals hunted for sport, killed for no reason, or forced to live their life in an unnatural environment. 
There are a few things we know for certain.  Early childhood is the best time to set life patterns that will include compassion.  This is why it is so important for animal advocates and volunteers to spend time at local elementary and junior high schools teaching humane education.  For more information on the topic of compassion and how it links to society please visit the University of California, Berkley, University of Washington (state), and the ASPCA websites.  If you need assistance starting a humane education center in your area contact your local animal organization rescue groups.  The Humane Association of Michigan has an interesting website that discusses their humane education outreach.