as we are

"We see others not as they are, but as we are."

How we think of and treat ourselves directly affects how we think of and treat others.  Our perception of the world begins with who we are.  Most of the time we don't even realize or are aware of our own biases, personality quirks, fears, dreams, etc. 

I used to think that to change the world, people would have to care about others more than themselves.  But I think some people are hard wired to be more compassionate and selfless.  That is not something that's easy for everyone to do.  The real issue is that we don't truly know, understand, or love ourselves.