Over the centuries, our culture has been slowly but gradually extending its circle of compassion. Our capacity to have compassion for those 'not like us' (whether the difference be defined by race, gender, nationality, religion or species) is one of the great challenges and stories of the human journey. And by far the greatest leap we've made in this process has been in the last 50 years. More and more people are waking up and letting go of old prejudices. Perhaps in this generation, we have the potential to finally go the whole way. 

Zoe Weil is the co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education (www.HumaneEducation.org) and is considered a pioneer in the comprehensive humane education movement, which provides people with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to be conscientious choicemakers and engaged changemakers for a better world for all people, all animals and the planet.