Hi @chbartist. I read your post and the word 'empathy' came into my head. I believe this is one of the strongest emotions anyone can feel. Strong feelings of empathy is an incredible driving force for us to help others. We see this in the real world all the time. For example, people that have suffered a particular hardship supporting others experiencing the same or similar hardship.
The best person and normally most willing person to help someone through difficult times is someone who has been in that situation themselves. Some people can naturally empathise very easily; this could be a combination of upbringing and/or genetics. I believe most people can grow in empathy through open-minded life experience.
One of the most challenging things to do is to empathise with someone who opposes you. This is because the other persons perspective is normally very different. This is often because they have different experiences and knowledge. This is even more difficult if you feel offended by their conduct.
A gut reaction for most of us is to either defend ourselves or attack the other person's position. A better response would be to try and understand the other persons circumstances and how they could reach a particular position or perspective. This may enable you to empathise or at least sympathise with them.
If you can empathise with them. They might also be able to empathise with you. This may seem strange but empathy can spread. It is amazing how others can become more accepting if you become open to their perspective.
Sorry for the long comment. I honestly believe if you want to see virtue in this world it begins with empathy. It is quite a journey and can also be a painful one. It involves living in someones skin for a while and feeling their emotions.