I think most people feel that they are a little smarter or
   faster or more clever or wittier or more practical or stronger
   than their fellow human - and there's nothing wrong with
   self-pride - its commonplace and natural. To be selfish is all
   too natural. Cultivating empathy means every ONCE in a while,
   instead of pointing out another's flaws or saying "haha, LOSER"
   to the rest of humanity, say, "damn, that could have been me."
   It gives you a deeper strength. "